‘Ambitious’ plans for wasteland welcomed

Plans have been submitted to Sheffield Council to transform a spot in between Green Lane Works and the Fat Cat pub in Green Lane, Kelham Island.

The site has remained empty since the MIBA Tyzack firm moved out and demolished most of its workshops.

If planning permission is granted at a meeting next Monday, August 13, a mixture of houses and duplex apartments will be built, along with an arts space, an “energy centre” and a cafe within Eagle Works – a red brick building which remains on the site.

Green Party council member Jillian Creasy has spoken out in support of the development, welcoming the “mix of uses and range of dwellings proposed.”

However, she added that the “scheme would benefit from more green amenity space as opposed to the hard surfaces proposed.”

Further support has come from an occupant of Brooklyn Works nearby, although they added that it was “important to retain the stone curbs and cobbled entrances along Green Lane.”

Planning officials have recommended that the scheme is granted planning consent on Monday.

In a report set to go before that meeting, they say; “The proposed development comprises of an ambitious, mixed use, low carbon scheme which, it is considered, will make a positive contribution to the existing Kelham Island community.”

It adds: “Furthermore, it is considered that the contemporary yet robust design of the new build elements of the scheme, along with the retention and reuse of Eagle Works and the historic boundary wall, will enhance the conservation area and setting of neighbouring listed buildings in a way which reflects their industrial heritage.”