Labour-run Sheffield City Council have again brought forward proposals to sell off bits of the Beauchief Abbey Conservation Area – this time the historic barns next to the Abbey.

In 2015, the Labour council attempted to sell off land in the conservation area, before backing down in the face of opposition from local residents and Lib Dem councillors, including a petition organised by Cllr Richard Shaw.

Lib Dem councillors have objected to these latest plans and hope the council do no proceed with the sale.

Local Lib Dem councillor Simon Clement-Jones said, “I object to the sale of Beauchief Abbey Barns. These are historically important buildings that I know local people want to be kept in
public hands.”

Councillor Richard Shaw added, “I fully agree with Simon – the Council should not be selling off Beauchief Abbey barns or any other parts of the conservation area.

“After their attempt to sell off land near the abbey in 2015 we thought Labour had learned their lesson and would make sure they protected the conservation area, but it’s clear you can’t trust them to protect our local heritage.”

Beauchief Barns is the latest in long list of Labour failing to protect Sheffield’s Heritage. We’ve seen war memorial trees cut down, a historic cottage in Graves Park sold off and our green spaces threatened with development.