Friends of Parkwood Springs Comments to Skyline at Parkwood Area Board 8/9/2026

We expressed concern about the short length of the consultation at only 20 days. Skyline said that the closing date was set to allow them time to process comments before making a formal planning application. However, they also said that they wanted to continue talking to the community throughout the process and would consider extending the duration of the public consultation.

We noted that holding both drop-in sessions in the same week and at the same time, would prevent anyone on holiday or working an afternoon shift from attending. We also mentioned that people from the Pitsmoor and Burngreave area would find it more difficult to reach Shirecliffe or Neepsend. Skyline accepted these comments and said that they would consider holding another session, possibly in the morning, and perhaps at Abbeyfield House.

We reported the difficulty many people had interpreting the maps which were on the Skyline website. They said that large scale versions would be on display at the drop-in sessions but had noted these comments online and were preparing another plan which should be much easier to understand. This would also be available at the drop-ins and would be posted on the website.

We pointed out the serious concerns that people had been expressing about the area of land within the red line boundary and fears that access would be restricted and the natural environment would be destroyed. Skyline reiterated that all paths and bike tracks would be preserved and that there would be minimal fencing, only a small amount needed for health and safety purposes. They said they would be aiming for a seamless connection between their area and the rest of Parkwood Springs, and that there would be an increase in the biodiversity of the area from the habitat plans which would accompany the development.

Finally, we told the meeting that although neighbours had received the Skyline mailing no notices had been placed around the site for those visitors who came from further away, the only signs that have been placed on site have been from the promoters of the petitions. They acknowledged this point and said that they would bear it in mind for future engagement.