University building in Sheffield to be turned into flats for young adults with disabilities
The Victorian building on Broomgrove Road in Broomhall was last used as a student law clinic but is now empty.
A Hallam University building can be turned into specialist accommodation for young adults with additional needs despite objections from neighbours.
The Victorian building on Broomgrove Road in Broomhall was last used as a student law clinic but is now empty. It will be converted into six flats to house young people with learning difficulties and autism.
As well as the self-contained flats, there will be communal areas for dining, cooking and laundry, plus offices for a maximum of five support staff, who will be a permanent presence. Outside will be parking for six cars plus bike storage.
Planning officer Chris Heeley told Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee yesterday (September 15) that neighbours had objected because a footpath alongside the house would be lost.
He said it was considered acceptable as it wouldn’t cause “significantly longer journeys” because there are alternatives within 140 metres on Ecclesall Road.
Other objections related to the look of composite PVC doors that will replace two windows and a high fence in Broomhall Conservation Area.
Mr Heeley said that the doors would be at the rear of the building, so not visible from outside the property. He said the fence would not be highly noticeable, as it would be well set back from the road.
Councillors added a condition to the planning decision that details of fencing would need to be submitted to the council for approval.
Councillor John Hesketh said he was concerned that buildings worth something architecturally are not reused and are “left to die”.