Just three years ago we were fighting against the needless destruction of Bennett Cottage in the lovely Mayfield Valley, facing down an owner who did not value the historic landscape and its ancient buildings – except as something to stare out at from huge plate-glass windows. Following our campaign Bennett Cottage was saved for posterity.
Now the same thing is happening in the Rivelin Valley.
Rails House Farm has stood on the sunny north side of the Rivelin Valley, just east of Rails Road, since at least 1795 – probably longer. Its stone-built buildings look much as they have done for over two centuries. Even the slightly shabby Dutch barn, now around a century old, looks like a natural addition to a site that was dedicated to growing food for many ages. Like so many local farms it was built around a central yard, giving it a feeling of openness, with the roofline following the slope of the valley, so that it seems like a part of the landscape. It is surrounded by other historic farms and dwellings, including the Listed Buildings of Bingley Seat, Revell Grange and Revell Cottage, all of similar age or even older. This is rural Sheffield at its best.
Inside it has been thoroughly modernised, but its character remains in the exposed beams. Outside – apart from the huge area of recently-laid tarmac – it still fits perfectly into the landscape, a real asset to our heritage. Many people would be delighted to have such a home – but just two years after buying it the present owners have decided it is not to their liking after all. The whole thing must come down, to be replaced by a larger building in a totally different style, with a massive south-facing frontage boasting plenty of glass. Gone will be the ancient farmhouse, the barn with its distinctive carriage arch, the open aspect and continuity with the surrounding countryside, replaced by a suburban executive-style dwelling.
Planning officers decided that Bennett Cottage should be demolished – but the planning committee disagreed. Refusing to be thwarted, the owner appealed to the Government – only to find that a Planning Inspector agreed with us that their scheme would cause unjustified harm to heritage, erode the special character of the landscape, and harm the Green Belt – and so will the proposal for Rails House Farm.
Bennett Cottage was saved for posterity.
We can do the same for Rails House Farm – but we need your help
Please object to this proposal to save another bit of Sheffield’s precious golden frame and preserve the Rivelin Valley as the beautiful and historic rural landscape which makes it so valued.
How to register your objection:
• Click here to see the application where you can create a login and object.
OR
• email planningapps@sheffield.gov.uk quoting application reference 23/01701/FUL
Done!
Good luck with saving Rails House Farm. What your group is doing to preserve these heritage building is commendable.
I no longer live in UK, but being proud of my Yorkshire roots, continue to be interested in the area. Heritage is key for future generations……
Please keep fighting. As they say “once it’s gone it’s gone” 200 plus years of history lost and to be replaced by a glass fronted horror!
Hello,
I read your article with interest but just wanted to query something.
Our friend was one of the four sons that inherited Bennett Grange on Harrison about 10 years ago (then sold it to the present owners) and wondered if this was the Bennett Cottage that you referred to.
If not where was the Cottage please?
Keep up the good work by the way !