In the Haze

At the right time the views from Blacka surpass anything in the district. Sometimes in the early morning the hazy sunshine creates its own magic. Even the views the east drawing the eye towards the city can have their own magic.

Sadly recent appalling planning decisions have ruined what should be one of the great views on the edge of the national park. Now it's only bearable when mist creates a veil hiding the giant building at Shorts Lane. This is a shameful failure by the city council and one we're reminded of every time we visit Blacka.

"From views at a distance it is considered that the building tucks into the hillside and respects the topography of the area" This is the wording in the planning assessment presented to councillors by the officers of the Sheffield City Council planning department who recommended that this building should go ahead, replacing a two storey building with a steep pitched roof with this four storey monstrosity. It was also suggested that it fits in with the scale, style and architecture of nearby buildings. Are these people in touch with reality at all?