Controversial flats plan set to receive planning consent today

OWNERS of a Sheffield nursing home are opposing plans to demolish a neighbouring former Gospel meeting house and convert it into a block of eight apartments.

Those at The Manse, in Nether Edge, say that they have no objection to the development of the site in Williamson Road in principle, but “object to this particular scheme”.

They say that converting the redundant meeting house into a mock Victorian villa with seven two-bedroom flats and one one-bedroom flats would have an “overbearing” impact on neighbours and lead to congestion on the surrounding streets.

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The site in question is currently occupied by a 1950s single-storey building which lies between two large Victorian villas.

A planning application to pull down the 1950s building and replace it with a mock Victorian villa, with flats over three storeys, was withdrawn in July but has now been resubmitted and is set to be considered by Sheffield Council today.

City planners have singled out some aspects of the scheme for criticism – particularly an “unfortunate” mock front door and “unorthodox” window design – but have decided “on balance” that councillors should approve the plans.

A spokesman for Jorand Limited, which runs The Manse, said: “There are two entrances onto the site and it is therefore felt that the site would be more sustainable for a small pair of well-designed semi-detached family houses, or an individual dwelling.

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“The proposals represent a negative contribution to the conservation area by way of scale, massing siting, design and impact on adjoining properties.”

The spokesman added: “Frustratingly, none of Jorand’s main concerns have been addressed on this second application.

“This scheme still represents demonstrable overdevelopment.”

In addition, 12 letters of objection have been received from neighbours living in Nether Edge.

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Opponents say that parking is already “horrendous” around the junction of St Andrew’s Road and Williamson Road and any further development would be “irresponsible.”

They add that family housing should be encouraged on the site rather than flats, and the development would lead to trees being chopped down.

In their report to councillors, which is set to go before this afternoon’s meeting, city planners say there “are some negative aspects to the design of the scheme”.

The report says: “These relate to uPVC window treatments to the side and rear elevations, unorthodox window design to two bedroom windows, a mock front door, extensive car parking to the rear and a large front roof slope.

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“However, the upvc materials will not be visually prominent, the window design to the bedrooms does not affect the external appearance of the building, the car park will have no material impact in the street scene and the massing of the roof is broken by gable features to the front elevation.

“Overall, the mock front door is a relatively minor design flaw which is outweighed by the more positive aspects of the development in contributing to the Nether Edge Conservation Area.”

In the development’s favour, the planners say it “replaces a redundant community facility” and “will not create an undesirable concentration of flats in the area”.

The planners’ report says: “The key concern is the impact on bedroom windows facing the site in the newly-converted care home at The Manse.

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“On balance, it is considered that the relationship is acceptable and adequate privacy and daylight can be provided and maintained.

“In a finely balanced assessment, it is considered that the proposals broadly comply with the quoted policies and guidelines and it is recommended that planning permission is granted.”

This afternoon’s meeting begins at 2pm at Sheffield Town Hall.