Sheffield City Council is seeking government help to resolve a dispute over its Local Plan, which proposes building thousands of homes on parts of the city’s Green Belt. The plan has triggered strong opposition from residents and campaigners, while the council says additional land is needed to meet housing and employment requirements set by government-appointed inspectors.

The plan is intended to guide development through to 2039 and includes about 38,000 homes, alongside employment land, schools and other infrastructure. Fourteen Green Belt sites have been identified for development, although inspectors have also asked the council to investigate alternative urban sites; the council says more than 96% of Sheffield’s Green Belt would remain protected.