New Local Plan Consultation: FAQs
After indicating that the new consultation would be announced in the week of 10 December, Sheffield City Council (SCC) instead issued it by email last week, on 18 November.
We’ve spent some time reviewing the announcement, understanding what it means, and considering how we can respond collectively as a community. This email includes some helpful FAQs about what is happening and how we are approaching it.
The deadline for comments in this consultation is 5pm on Thursday 11 December - and we know this comes at an extremely busy time of year, right in the run-up to Christmas.
But don’t worry: in our next email, and on our social media and website, we’ll explain how you can submit an objection quickly and easily.
We’ll be at the Christmas Market at the Old Rectory, Handsworth on Sunday 29 November, from 11am to 3pm.
If you’re in the area, please pop over - we’ll be happy to chat through what’s happening and answer any questions.
1. What Is This Consultation?
This is not a full, formal consultation. SCC have described it as a "targeted consultation".
It is an additional opportunity for residents to comment on a set of documents that were released after the July 2025 deadline.
More than 100 relevant documents were published late, meaning no one could use them when submitting their original objections. Because of this, SCC has offered this extra window for comments, even though they are not required to.
You do not need to read everything. Focus on anything that affects your concerns or strengthens your original objection.
2. Where Are We in the Local Plan Process?
We are currently in the examination stage, where the Inspectors check whether the plan meets national requirements.
The Green Belt sites we're concerned about (SES29 and SES30) are still only proposed.
After the autumn hearings, the Inspector is reviewing the evidence and has opened a brief consultation on specific outstanding issues before reaching their conclusions.
This is your last chance to provide evidence or objections that could influence whether the Inspector decides our greenbelt sites are necessary for the Plan to be sound.
Once this consultation closes, the Inspector will draft their preliminary findings and move toward “Main Modifications” - so we are at a critical intervention point.
That's why acting now is important - because if Green Belt protection is removed, development becomes far more likely.
3. Why Is SCC Doing This Now?
During the Local Plan hearings in September and October, the Inspectors and SCC agreed that residents should be able to review several documents that were released very late - some during the hearings and some created afterwards.
This short consultation allows the public to comment on those documents.
4. Do I Need to Comment?
Yes. Please comment - and encourage others to do the same.
It is important to show that the community still strongly opposes removing Green Belt protection from these sites.
In our next email we will be giving you simple, easy to action information on how to do this.
5. Who Do My Comments Go To?
Your comments will go to to Sheffield City Council.
SCC will then forward all responses to the Government Inspectors.
The Inspectors are not running this consultation. Any questions must be directed to SCC, not the Inspectors' office.
6. Which Documents Can I Comment On?
SCC has published a list of 71 new documents they are specifically inviting comments on.
We know it’s not realistic for every resident to read all of these - and you don’t need to.
You only need to comment on the ones that relate to SES29 or SES30.
To make this manageable, in the next week the group will publish:
A simple table listing the key documents that relate to SES29 and SES30
Plain-English summaries for each one
Suggested wording to help you write your comment
Template submissions for you to complete
You may comment on any of the new documents - but your comment must reference at least one of them for the Inspectors to count it as a response to this consultation.
In simple terms: If you have a point to make, say it - just link it to one of the new “EXAM” documents we will give you.
7. Who Selected the 71 Documents?
SCC decided which documents to include. They have not explained their selection criteria, and some recent documents are not listed. We are seeking clarification, but given the time pressure, we will work with what is available.
8. Will the S13 Group Be Providing Help?
Yes.
We are working with our planning advisors to prepare a community response, and we are looking into obtaining a legal "Opinion" from our barrister (subject to funds).
We will:
Provide an easy-to-follow table of documents, links and summaries
Offer guidance on how to write your own comments
Template objection letters
We do not have time for drop-ins, but if a short online Q&A session would help, please let us know - we may be able to arrange a Teams call or an informal meeting.
Or, come and see us at the Christmas Market in the Old Rectory on Sunday 29 November, 11am–3pm.
We will be supplying more information on what to do as soon as possible.
Watch out for emails and website updates.
Every comment helps. Even a short email makes a difference.
News Articles
You can explore all the latest Local Plan coverage on our website’s Press Articles page, where we’re adding new pieces every day as they come in.
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Contact
If you want to get in touch please email us at either:
info@saves13greenbelt.org.uk - email the working group.
website@saves13greenbelt.org.uk - suggestions/additions to the website.
