Call to throw out scheme for student homes on pubs’ site

PLANners have been urged to call time on unpopular development proposals which could see the sites of two former pubs converted into flats and apartments for students.

Architects have submitted a blueprint for land where the now-demolished Devonshire Arms used to stand on Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, opposite the former Wards Brewery.

The application shows a six-storey building which would incorporate two retail units at ground level, as well as 12 “cluster flats” which would provide 59 student bedrooms.

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According to papers to be examined by Sheffield Council’s city centre, south and east planning and highways board next week, a large number of representations have been received.

In response, the architects Sheffield-based SLA Design have submitted revised drawings which aimed to allay local residents’ fears, but they and their local councillor still object.

The development site backs onto the Hanover estate, and members of its tenants and residents’ association have lodged two objections with the council over the scheme.

In a letter to the authority, the association says: “A six-storey building is too high, at close proximity to the neighbouring building and would have a dominating impact on neighbours. The scheme represents an over-development of the site.

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“There are existing excessive levels of student accommodation within the city and particularly in the local area, much of which is not fully occupied.

“Therefore, the need is queried especially as student numbers are likely to decrease in future due to the imposition of fees.”

The former brewery site has already been converted into apartments and the site of another former pub, the Jolly Buffer, has also been converted to provide flats.

Objectors to the scheme point out that a retail unit in the converted brewery remained empty for many months and was then taken over by pub chain Wetherspoons, and not retailers.

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Coun Jillian Creasy, a Green party member who represents the area on Sheffield Council, has made several representations, and says that the new building, if allowed, would be “overbearing”.

She also says that drawings submitted in support of the scheme are “misleading” and criticises the proposed name of the building, Devonshire Hall, as unrepresentative of the area.

Coun Creasy also objects to the second pub site proposal, which relates to the former Springfield Tavern in the nearby Broomhall area of Sheffield.

The building still exists, but has been vacant for some time and developers want to retain the pub, but turn it into a so-called “house in multiple occupation” which will provide rooms for students.

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Coun Creasy says that the pub was a “well-used community resources with no late night noise or anti-social behaviour” but “recognises that the former use is no longer viable”.

However she and a number of residents have complained that there are already several vacant “student lets” in the area, and question the market for more rooms.

Other objections raised by residents include the lack of parking available on the site, which lies at the head of a cul-de-sac, the potential for noise from student residents and a desire to see the pub converted into family accommodation.

Despite the objections to both projects, planners are set to recommend to councillors that they are acceptable and will advise that they are given planning permission.

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Officers say the Devonshire Arms project contributes positively to the street scene and say it is considered to “achieve an appropriate balance in limiting the impact on the amenities of neighbouring occupiers while achieving a building which makes an appropriate contribution to Ecclesall Road”.

Both schemes will be discussed at the town hall on Monday.