New homes and a four-storey apartment block have been approved for land in Woodhouse, despite environmental objections from residents.

The proposal includes 31 houses and the block containing 16 flats, alongside access roads, parking and landscaping at the junction of Furnace Lane and Junction Road. Some homes are expected to be affordable housing.

The plans have faced community opposition, with an 86-signature petition submitted to the council and 38 individual objections lodged.

Among those raising concerns were Woodhouse residents Jennifer Turton and her father, James Turton, who said the development would permanently damage the area’s natural habitat.

Speaking at a meeting of Sheffield Council’s planning committee, Mr Turton, who has lived in Woodhouse for 35 years, warned councillors the environmental impact of building on the site would be irreversible and described it as ‘severe destruction’.

Mr Turton said: “I believe the ecological value of the area and its existence as the only green corridor through Woodhouse is being downplayed.”

Mr Turton argued that the land supports a range of wildlife.

“I have, over decades, witnessed many things such as bats, cuckoos, woodpeckers, owls. A neighbour has seen evidence of a badger. All indicators this is a high-quality habitat.”

He also warned the housing scheme could result in the net loss of more than 70 per cent of the wildlife habitat on the site, potentially leading to the permanent loss of some species.

The plans were also questioned by Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, which manages a nearby wildlife site at Woodhouse Washlands.

In a letter to the council, the group said: “Given the location of the site between multiple designated wildlife sites and adjacent to the railway, it is highly likely that the site functions as a ‘stepping stone’ habitat supporting ecological connectivity across the area.”

Residents opposing the plans also pointed to the site’s planning history. A previous development proposal was refused in 2008 due in part to concerns about wildlife and the loss of a green corridor.

However, Councillor Sarah Hull told the meeting that the reasons for the 2008 refusal were based on national planning policies that have since changed.

Coun Hull also acknowledged environmental concerns but said the green link would still remain to some extent.

Coun Mike Chaplin responded to the concerns. He said: “You may feel we are designing out wildlife, but wildlife has an impressive way of co-existing alongside us.”