Approval ends saga over site for homes

Hundreds of people objected to a scheme submitted in 2007 to demolish Sheffield University's seven-storey Tapton halls, on the border of Broomhill and Crookes, and build almost 120 new houses and flats there.

Objectors enlisted the support of Deputy Prime Minister and local MP Nick Clegg, and Sheffield Council leader Paul Scriven, who told planning officers that Sheffield University's walled Experimental Garden, which is on the site, should be protected.

Those original plans, submitted by Miller Homes Yorkshire, were rejected first by councillors and then by a planning inspector at an appeal.

Miller Homes then went back to the drawing board and planning officers said the redrawn scheme. Yesterday, councillors followed their advice and did so.

Chairman of the planning committee, Coun John Hesketh, said: "My heart wants to refuse this, but if we did then there'd be an immediate appeal which we would lose."

A representative from Miller Homes stressed that the landscaped garden would remain untouched by the housing development. The rare trees and plants would be retained.

However, nearby residents reacted angrily. They fear traffic problems and existing homes being over-looked.