Sean Bean Fights Sheffield Housing Plans

Actor Sean Bean has contributed £5,000 to a local campaign fighting against proposed housing developments on green belt land in his Sheffield hometown. The Sheffield Council's Local Plan includes provisions for over 1,700 new homes in the Handsworth area, a move aimed at addressing the housing crisis. However, the plans have ignited strong opposition from residents.

Approximately 4,000 people have signed a petition, expressing concerns that up to 90% of Handsworth's green space could be lost. The 'Save S13 Greenbelt' group argues that the concentration of new housing in this postcode area will strain infrastructure, exacerbate traffic, and worsen pollution. Despite the council's claim to have explored brownfield sites, only about 3.6% of the city's green belt land is slated for development across 14 sites.

Bean, who grew up in the area, emphasized the land's importance as a community hub and a vital green space. The campaign has already raised over £10,000 for legal costs. Planning inspectors are expected to review the proposals, with a final council vote anticipated next summer. Similar opposition has also emerged in other Sheffield areas, such as S35.