When you think of Sean Bean, your mind might jump to epic battles in Game of Thrones or the sweeping vistas of The Lord of the Rings.
But today, the Sheffield-born actor is fighting a very different kind of battle — one much closer to home.
The 66-year-old has spoken out against a controversial housing development that threatens the green belt land around Handsworth, the area in Sheffield where he grew up.
And for Bean, this isn’t just about land — it’s personal.
A Famous Voice Joins the Community’s Outcry
In a heartfelt letter addressed to city planners, Sean Bean made his position crystal clear.
“My name is Sean Bean,” he wrote, “and I would like to register my objection for the proposed mass building in the Handsworth area of Sheffield, where I grew up and spent some of the best years of my life.”
His message aligns with a growing campaign to stop the construction of 1,638 new homes in Handsworth — part of a broader Local Plan by Sheffield City Council to develop thousands of houses, schools, and commercial space on green belt land.
Honoring a Late Campaigner’s Legacy
Bean’s letter also paid tribute to Sapphire McCarthy, a 39-year-old mother-of-two and passionate local campaigner who led the “Save S13 Greenbelt” movement before her sudden passing earlier this month.
She had discovered that nearly 900 homes were planned for construction just behind her house — a plan she feared would destroy the view she once considered a dream.
She organized protests and raised awareness, becoming a powerful voice in the community.
In his letter, Bean acknowledged her efforts and echoed her concerns:
“If these proposals are allowed to go ahead in their present form, it would devastate the area — certainly in terms of its natural habitats, but even more so on the character of its close-knit and hard-working community.”
Accusations of Unfair Targeting
Bean didn’t hold back on his criticism of what he sees as a deeply unfair decision.
He suggested that the city’s working-class communities are bearing the brunt of the development while more affluent areas are being left untouched:
“It seems like this working-class community has been specifically targeted, while other, more genteel areas on the other side of Sheffield have escaped lightly.”
“It seems the council sees us as second-class citizens who will just have to put up with it,” he added — a sentiment that’s clearly resonated with many locals.
Protests and Growing Backlash
Back in June, around 500 residents gathered to protest the council’s development plans.
Their concerns span from environmental damage to overcrowding and the loss of cherished green space.
The Labour Party, which won the general election, has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes during their time in office — and some of those will inevitably be on green belt land.
But locals are questioning the fairness of where those homes are being placed.
Community Determined to Keep Fighting
Cheryl Hague, a local resident and close friend of McCarthy, said that Sapphire had spoken with Sean Bean not long before her passing.
“She told him how worried we all were, and he shared his deep concern about what’s happening here,” Cheryl said. “We’re thrilled he’s spoken out.
He’s proud of his roots and he knows how much this green space means to us.”
“We will carry on the fight that Sapphire started — with more determination than ever.
And having Sean Bean backing us really gives the campaign a powerful boost.”
Officials Yet to Respond
As of now, Sheffield City Council and the Ministry of Housing have been contacted for comment on Bean’s letter and the public’s growing opposition.
Sean Bean’s representatives have also been approached, though they have yet to issue any further statements.
A Star Using His Voice for His Roots
For many residents in Handsworth and across Sheffield, Sean Bean is more than a movie star — he’s one of their own.
And his decision to speak out shows just how deep his connection to the community runs.
Whether this celebrity backing will sway officials remains to be seen.
But for those fighting to protect their green belt, it’s a powerful reminder that even in Hollywood, home still matters.