Sheffield 12-storey apartments plan and river walkway wins approval
The proposal will create 318 one and two-bedroom apartments and studios in Summerfield Street in Sharrow
Last updated 18 hours ago
A scheme to build two blocks of flats up to 12 storeys high and a public river walkway has been approved by Sheffield councillors.
The proposal will create 318 one and two-bedroom apartments and studios in Summerfield Street, Sharrow, near Ecclesall Road. The land was formerly occupied by a car dealership.
It was approved yesterday (December 9) at Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee.
One of the blocks is 12 storeys and a second 10-storey block will wrap around the open space at neighbouring flats at Brook Place in a U shape. The flats will then share the open space.
The 10-storey block also will have commercial space at ground-floor level and a new walkway along the Porter Brook will be open to the public.
Residents of the neighbouring Porterbrook2 apartment block had objected that the flats would overshadow their homes and communal garden.
A report to the committee said: “What is apparent from site is that the parcel of land subject to this application, which is currently cleared, offers existing residents of adjacent apartment blocks high levels of daylight, sunlight and outlook over this site, with no nearby overlooking.
“However, it is noted that the site is a development plot by virtue of previous planning consents and proposed allocation in the emerging local plan.”
It said the nearest properties are 20 metres away across the other side of a road, which is an acceptable distance to prevent overlooking.
James Owens spoke for the applicant Grainger plc, which he said is the country’s largest landlord. He said: “It’s a scheme our whole design team is proud of and will enhance this part of the city.”
Mr Owens said that there had been previous planning permission for student flats but this plan would instead complete the company’s Brook Place scheme.
Coun Marieanne Elliot said: “I find it very disappointing that the applicant isn’t providing 10% affordable housing. We have heard what a successful company Grainger’s are.”
She was told that the company has shown that providing affordable housing is not currently viable. However, the scheme will be subject to a viability review should construction be delayed or there is a change in the markets when the units are occupied.