Residents' fears over plans for 5,000-seater stadium

Some local residents say they are worried about the effect the complex would have on the area

People living near the site of a proposed new 5,000-seater sport stadium in Sheffield have said they are worried over the effect it could have on the area.

Sheffield FC announced plans for the stadium complex, at the former Sheffield Transport Sports Club site in Meadowhead, last November.

However, some local residents have since told the BBC of their concerns over extra traffic, noise pollution and possible parking problems if the plans get the go-ahead.

Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims said there were "more people supporting the application than are against us".

The world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC was founded in 1857, but currently plays its home games in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

The planned new facility would see the club return to its home city and it would be shared with the Sheffield Eagles rugby league team.

The club said the new complex would also include a cricket ground, a football museum and an indoor community sports hall.

Announcing the plans last year, Mr Tims said it would "become an international visitor attraction for football and rugby league fans alike and provide an insight into the history and heritage of both clubs".

While over 150 comments supporting the application have so far been registered on Sheffield Council's planning portal, over 130 objections have also been raised.

The new stadium would "raise the profile of sport in Sheffield internationally", Sheffield FC chairman Richard Tims has said

Local residents have expressed fears over the possibility of increased traffic to an already busy area.

Wendy Nutbrown, who lives opposite the site, told the BBC that the new proposals “put the fear of God into me".

"Crossing Meadowhead, even in a car, is like taking your life into your hands. The volume of traffic is at a tipping point. Any more will be absolutely horrendous,” she said.

Meanwhile, Jillian Wallace, co-owner of Meadowhead Meats, near Meadowhead roundabout, said she was also worried about an increase in traffic the new stadium could bring.

"It’s madness with the roundabout and St James' Retail Park, it’s a nightmare," she said.

"There's loads of accidents already. Lots of customers around here don’t want it. They think house prices are going to go down."

Another local resident, Andrew Throssell, said while he had fond memories of the Transport ground as a child, the new proposals would deprive people of some important green space.

“Sheffield has a reputation, rightly, for being a beautiful green city," he said.

"Now, the first thing you're going to see coming in off the A61 is a dirty great big stadium in a residential space."

A decision on the plans for the site in Meadowhead is expected in the summer

Reg Jones, who lives in Meadowhead, said despite the signage around the site, the focus on Sheffield FC was "misleading".

“It’s not about the home of football at all. The proposal is all to do with Sheffield Eagles.

"The average crowd in Super League is 9,000, Sheffield FC are lucky to get 800 fans. This is the wrong place for a stadium of this size.”

Sheffield Eagles director of rugby, Mark Aston, previously said the planned new ground would help with the Rugby Football League's new grading system, which took into account stadium facilities as well as league position.

Speaking in November, he said: "Sheffield Eagles are very excited to be part of this joint venture with Sheffield FC and to be at the heart of this world-class development."

Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield on Friday, Mr Tims said: "I know nobody wants their lives to change but we have spent lots of money doing traffic surveys and reports for the council.

"The times we play and the Eagles play will have no impact on Meadowhead roundabout.

"The site has been derelict for years. It’s an eye sore. We are building something of international importance."

The consultation period for residents to provide feedback to Sheffield Council is due to end on 6 May.

A decision on the planning application for the site is expected in the summer.

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