New homes plan approved for former Sheffield NHS HQ Fulwood House

Controversial proposals to build housing on former NHS headquarters in Sheffield have been approved.

Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee made the decision yesterday (July 21).

Planning officer Jacob George told councillors that there have been 152 objections to the scheme to create 67 homes in the site in Fulwood. Plans were submitted in 2023 but have since been altered.

Mock Tudor-style Fulwood House would be restored and later extensions removed but a new, single-storey front extension added.

Mr George said the building, which was badly damaged by fire a year ago, would be converted into six flats, surrounded by 15 large houses.

Five houses will be in a row along Woofindin Road and others will be further back.

All other buildings, including the controversial eight-storey office block, will be demolished.

Three linked buildings on the car park will house 46 two- and three-bedroom flats, some of which will be “nestled into the landscape”, said Mr George. A subterranean car park will include leisure facilities.

Mr George said: “A staggered building line would achieve a more naturalistic appearance.”

The site, next to Whiteley Woods, will feature an enhanced green corridor.

Neighbour Robert Hall said: “A lot of people around the area are concerned that their roads would be considered as car parks. There’s not enough parking spaces.”

Fulwood ward councillor Coun Sue Alston said: “Most people do accept that this should be used for housing and the removal of the tower block will be very welcome.”

She added: “I am incredibly relieved at the retention of Fulwood House. I stood and watched that roof burn with residents.”

Coun Alston voiced concerns over the loss of a natural buffer protecting the woods.

James Drury, director of the NHS trust that owns the site, said all sale proceeds will go into improving health services.

Coun Mick Rooney asked why there was no affordable housing. Mr George said an independent assessor confirmed it was not financially viable.

Coun Brian Holmshaw said that 40 per cent loss of trees was too much but was pleased that 72 trees will be planted.

Coun John Hesketh accused councillors of “nothing but negativity for 90 minutes”.

He welcomed the proposal, adding: “It gets rid of that damned ugly 1960s building.”