The site’s Suitability Assessment undertaken by SCC does not acknowledge any recreational use of the site. This is clearly incorrect.  The site, known locally and affectionately as the ‘Horse Field’, is a vital and much used recreational asset for the close knit community of Wharncliffe Side. 

The site is used every day by people of all ages to exercise their dogs, enjoy safe country walks, or simply to enjoy this green space, the wildlife that inhabits it, and the peace and tranquility of this beautiful place. 

Recreational use is not just about sports facilities and man made children’s playgrounds. Dog walking, hiking, country walks, sledging in the winter, and connecting with nature all fall within the definition of ‘recreation’. 

The field forms a ‘natural playground’ where children can exercise, play, enjoy the fresh air and learn about wildlife and the natural world. 

Many people in the village enjoy the wildlife the field supports and care deeply about what would happen to this if the field was developed. 

In addition to daytime recreation, some residents enjoy night walks where they can watch the bats and other nocturnal animals such as hedgehogs. 

There is often an opportunity for star gazing in the dark skies in this area of the village with low light pollution. 

A recent tally of field users, on an average day with moderate weather conditions, amounted to 39 users in a 2 hour period in a single direction. Most users also made the return journey. Approximately half the users were accompanied by a pet. 

Many pet owners use the field multiple times a day, including late at night to exercise their pets. Where are they going to go if the field is developed? 

Public rights of way will be maintained within the new development, but what about during the construction period and will these routes be maintained as green space? 

The field is in a central location, connecting the village and very close to the original village green ( no longer in existence). It forms a ‘hub’ within the village where villagers can meet and socialise. 

The site has significant historic value to the community, and is much loved, as it has been used for recreation for many, many years. 

Older people in the village, who have lived here all their lives, can remember visiting the site since childhood. 

Around 200 residents that use the field regularly, recently took part in a photo shoot and video in the field to show how much they valued this Green Space and wanted to ‘Save Our Field’ 

160 residents attended a public meeting at the chapel and agreed they were against the council’s plans to release the site for building development. 

The council’s suitability assessment of the site identifies adequate access to Green Space for residents of any new development, but overlooks the significant reduction in access to Green Space for many of the existing residents of this community, should the site be developed. 

The Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard states that : No person should live more than 300m from their nearest area of natural greenspace of at least 2 ha in size.

There are people in this community who use the site that are older, have illness or reduced mobility or who have younger children. For many of them , this is the only accessible area of green space available to them which allows public access. 

They would find it challenging or impossible to manage the further distance to Glen Howe park. 

Statistics show that this area has a higher percentage of residents with illness, and disability than other areas of the city. 

The government acknowledges the strong evidence linking green space access to improved health outcomes, including reduced anxiety, improved mood, and a lower risk to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 

For a significant number of people within our community in Wharncliffe Side, the ‘Horse Field ‘ is a ‘Lifeline’ and vital to their physical and mental wellbeing. 

Local councils are encouraged to play a key role in improving access to green spaces through partnerships with communities and local organisations. 

The council’s suitability assessment of the site does not acknowledge that there is any ‘Green Space’ or ‘Open Space’ existing on the site that needs to be considered in its suitability for development.

The sites current and historic use, however exactly fits the definition of Local Green Space 

‘ These spaces are typically close to the community, local in character, and demonstrably valued for their beauty, historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity or wildlife’ 

The site should be reclassified as a Local Green Space rather than put forward for development.