Dear Mr. Johnson,

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Re: Publication of Additional Documents and Consultation Timescale – Local Plan

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I write on behalf of the Chapeltown, Ecclesfield and Grenoside Community Action Group in response to the email issued today from you, publishing a further set of technical documents for consultation in respect of the Local Plan.

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As you are aware, the volume of material published after the commencement of consultation has already been substantial. In total:

• 121 exam documents have been issued since 29 May (start of the public consultation period)

• 119 documents have been published since 11 July (end of the public consultation period)

• 51 documents have been released since 29 September (after the Inspectors’ Hearings began)

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The addition of yet more documents, many of them highly technical, together with an unreasonably short three-week window for review, raises very serious concerns. These papers are clearly of a type and significance that would have been beneficial, and arguably essential, for discussion during the Inspectors’ meetings, had they been available. Publishing them only now, after key stages have passed, inevitably creates the impression of a process that is neither transparent nor fair.

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The new link for commenting on these documents is not easily noticeable, as it appears only as a text hyperlink, making it easy to overlook. Although the email states that these documents were published on 13 November, we do not consider this to be accurate, as we have been monitoring the site closely and only became aware of their appearance today.

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We remain extremely concerned about how such updates are supposed to reach residents without digital access. These individuals continue to be excluded from meaningful participation, despite repeatedly expressing this issue since May and throughout all the Inspector Hearings. This point was articulated clearly and compellingly by Clive Betts MP in his presentation to the Inspectors.

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With a further Hearing scheduled for Friday 21 November, and given that previous sessions have resulted in additional or amended documents, can you confirm whether this is the final set of examination materials, or whether further documents may still be published after Friday if further issues are identified?

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In addition, as EXAM 119a (Schedule) is now out of date, we ask for an update on the current timetable for the Local Plan. Please confirm how this document will be revised or replaced, and how any changes to the programme will be communicated to residents.

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Given the continual release of critical documents long after consultation began, and now even after the hearing sessions, together with insufficient notice and inadequate communication methods, we must question how the Council can claim this process meets basic standards of fairness, accessibility, or good governance. A consultation cannot be considered legitimate when material information is drip-fed months after the public is expected to have provided informed comment.

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The current approach fails to meet not only national expectations of transparency and public engagement but also the Council’s own stated Policy Drivers (Triple Lock), particularly: “People – we will listen, involve and work with the people of our great city.”

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Our community action groups are extremely disappointed and increasingly angry at the way Sheffield City Council has treated its residents throughout this process. This situation stands in direct contradiction to the commitments made following the Street Trees (Lowcock) Inquiry and undermines public trust at a time when trust is essential.

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In summary, the ongoing publication of essential documents at this late stage, combined with an unrealistically short timeframe for review and persistent digital exclusion, calls into question the fairness, accessibility, and overall integrity of the Local Plan consultation.

Regards

Save Our Green Belt – Chapeltown, Ecclesfield & Grenoside Community Action Group