Sean Bean has backed a campaign to save green belt land in Sheffield where he played as a child, describing proposed housing developments as a "tragedy". The actor, known for Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings, grew up in the Handsworth area, where 1,638 homes have been allocated on green belt land under the city council's draft local plan.
The plans are part of a wider proposal to release 14 green belt sites for around 3,500 new homes. Bean voiced his opposition in a video for the campaign group Save S13 Greenbelt – The Sapphire McCarthy Campaign, praising their "incredible" efforts and saying: "We're not going to stop. We'll see this through."
He described the fields around Handsworth as the "hub" of his childhood, noting they were the only green space in the area. "It would be a tragedy if that was all built over," he said, adding that the land had such tradition and history that its loss would be devastating.
Bean also criticised the council's approach, claiming it owned the land but planned to "flog it and keep the money". The council has said green belt options were considered only after all brownfield options were exhausted, with overall sustainability and site availability being significant factors.
The campaign group has been raising money for planning consultants and lawyers ahead of public hearings starting next week. Campaigner Cheryl Hague said they were "delighted" to have Bean's support. After the hearings, planning inspectors may recommend modifications to the plan, which will then be subject to further public consultation before the final version is considered for adoption, likely next summer.
