Bid to block apartments scheme

Opponents have also called for a new housing policy to be introduced in the south-east of the city that would give greater protection to

gardens and prevent houses from being built too closely together.

The plans in question are for two two-storey apartment blocks, one of which would have 10 flats and the other four, at 8 Kirkby Road in Gleadless.

All of the proposed new flats would be lived in by people aged 55 and over. The planning application, which is set to be decided by Sheffield Council's planning board on Monday, has been amended from the original application, which was for 14 apartments in a single block.

It has, however, attracted a massive weight of objection, with 53 letters and two petitions, together bearing more than 550 signatures, being submitted in opposition.

Objectors say that the flats would be out of scale and character with the existing neighbourhood and would also constitute overdevelopment of a suburban garden.

Others describe it as an "unwanted and unwarranted visual intrusion" and an example of "unacceptable garden grabbing."

Overlooking, loss of privacy, loss of trees and the impact on parking have also been cited as concerns.

Meg Munn, Labour MP for Heeley, agreed that the proposals were "not in keeping with the local area" also said that the scheme had the "potential to almost double the number of residents on the street, which could lead to significant traffic and parking problems."

Objections have also come from two ward councillors, who say the plans are against planning policy and would "alienate the local neighbourhood."

Sheffield Council's planning officers have agreed with the objectors in some respects and advised that the scheme should be refused consent when it is considered by councillors next week.

In a report set to go before that planning meeting, the officers say the proposed apartment blocks are "inappropriate in the context of the streetscene and do not respect the scale, grain and context of the local area."

The report adds: "The originally submitted plans showed one single apartment block that was wholly out of character in the streetscene, owing to its large horizontal form and excessive roof mass, that resulted from an overly large footprint and deep profile.

"After discussion with the agent the block has been split in to two smaller blocks. However, these blocks remain disproportionately large in comparison to other properties.

"The existing dwellings along Kirkby Road have been constructed in a range of styles and sizes with no prevailing architectural style or built form.

"However, a key characteristic of the street is the small domestic scale and character of the buildings and their modest footprints."

The report adds that it appears "little consideration has been given to the character of the area in the design of the proposed development."

Recommending that the scheme should be refused, the report says: "It is considered that the construction of two apartment blocks with a total of 14 apartments represents an overdevelopment of the site which is evidenced by the unacceptably high density of the development.

"The development fails to take the opportunities available for

improving the character and quality of the area."

Next Monday's planning meeting begins at 2pm at Sheffield Town Hall.