Question 1

What is a Main Modifications Consultation?

Accepted Answer

During the examination process the Planning Inspectors reviewed the submitted Sheffield Plan and the evidence behind it.

They have indicated that the Plan could potentially be found sound if a number of
changes are made.

These changes are known as Main Modifications.

This consultation asks a very specific question:
Do the proposed changes make the Plan sound and legally compliant?
In simple terms, the Inspectors are saying:
“We believe these changes may be needed before the Plan can be adopted - do you agree?"

Question 2

What this consultation is NOT

Accepted Answer

This consultation is not a repeat of previous consultations.

The Council’s guidance explains that comments should focus specifically on the Main Modifications themselves.

This means residents should not:
• repeat comments submitted in earlier consultations
• comment on parts of the Plan that have not changed
• propose completely new changes unrelated to the modifications.

In practice, this means focusing on what has changed or been added to the Plan.

Issues such as flooding, traffic or infrastructure can still be raised, but they should be linked to the specific modifications now being consulted on.

Question 3

What does this mean for Chapeltown, Ecclesfield and Grenoside?

Accepted Answer

Several proposed Main Modifications relate directly to sites in our area.

These include proposed allocations affecting sites such as:

• NES36 – Land to South of M1 Junction 35 (Smith Wood)
• NES37 – Land South of Wheel Lane/Creswick Avenue (Town End Farm)
• NES38 – Land West of Grenoside Grange (Holme Lane Farm)
• NES39 – Land at Wheel Lane and Middleton Lane
• CH03 – Warren Lane, Chapeltown
• CH04 – Hesley Wood, Chapeltown
• CH05 – Land East of Chapeltown Road (Strawberry Fields)

These proposals involve the release of significant areas of Green Belt land for
development, including housing and associated infrastructure.

Because these allocations are included within the Main Modifications, comments
about whether these sites are justified will go directly to the Planning Inspectors.

Question 4

Should residents submit comments?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we strongly encourage residents to take part in the consultation.

This is the final formal opportunity for communities to comment before the
Inspectors write their final report.

Once the Inspectors complete their report, the Plan will move to a Full Council vote. At that stage councillors can only vote to adopt or reject the Plan – they cannot amend individual sites.

This means the Main Modifications consultation is the last stage where concerns about specific allocations can be raised with the Inspectors.

Question 5

Who will read your comments?

Accepted Answer

Responses are submitted through Sheffield City Council’s consultation system.

However, they are passed directly to the Government Planning Inspectors who
are examining the Plan.

Your comments are therefore being made to the Inspectors, not to the Council.

The Inspectors are independent and are required to consider all representations
received during the consultation.

There is one exception: the Council has also published “Additional Modifications.” These are minor corrections and formatting changes. Comments on those are reviewed by the Council and are not part of the Inspector’s examination.

If you want the Inspectors to see your comments, make sure they relate to the Main Modifications.

Question 6

Which documents can I comment on?

Accepted Answer

The Council has published five documents that the Inspectors are specifically inviting comments on:

1. Schedule of Proposed Main Modifications to the Sheffield Plan (https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/47120/widgets/145770/documents/102352)- the list of all proposed changes, including the S35 site allocations. 
2. Integrated Impact Assessment: Update and Addendum (2026) (https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/47120/widgets/145770/documents/102353)- the updated environmental and sustainability assessment of the whole Plan.
3. Integrated Impact Assessment Report Addendum: Modifications Consultation (https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/47120/widgets/145770/documents/102354)(with Non-Technical Summary) - a shorter assessment looking specifically at the impact of the modifications.
4. Habitats Regulations Assessment: Appropriate Assessment Update (2026) (https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/47120/widgets/145770/documents/102371)- assesses the impact on protected wildlife habitats.
5. Schedule of Changes to the Policies Map (https://haveyoursay.sheffield.gov.uk/47120/widgets/145770/documents/102427)- shows how the maps change, including the Green Belt boundary changes in S35. 
We understand that these documents are lengthy and technical. Our group is reviewing them carefully and will highlight the issues that are most relevant for our communities.

Question 7

Will guidance be provided for residents?

Accepted Answer

Yes!
We will be working through the consultation documents and sharing guidance to help residents participate.

This will include:
• a simple guide to the key documents
• summaries explaining what the Main Modifications mean locally
• suggested points residents may wish to raise
• template wording that residents can adapt for their own responses.

We will also share information through the website and community meetings to help people understand the consultation process.

Question 8

What happens after this consultation?

Accepted Answer

After the consultation period ends, the Planning Inspectors will review all responses received.

They will then prepare their final report, which will determine whether the Sheffield Plan can be adopted.

If the Inspectors approve the Plan, it will move to a Full Council vote.

At that stage councillors can either adopt the Plan or reject it, but they cannot
change individual allocations.

This is why the current consultation is so important.

Question 9

Consultation Deadlines

Accepted Answer

Deadline: 5pm, Tuesday 14th April 2026.

Late responses will not be accepted. Don't leave it to the last day - the Council's online system can be slow when lots of people submit at once.

Stay informed
We will continue to push updates, guidance and resources to help residents participate in the consultation. .

Please keep checking the website or join our mailing list to receive updates.

Objections - March 2026

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