Flats get go-ahead despite the misgivings of officials

City planners had said plans for the eight-storey block of 57 flats and a three-storey block of offices at St Mary's Gate roundabout, off Bramall Lane, should be refused because the developer only offered 90,000 for affordable housing, far less than the 500,000 Sheffield Council had suggested.

However, Jim Lomas, representing developers SMC Jenkins and Moor, said 90,000 was all they could afford and added: "It's better, in some respects, than a poke in the eye."

The planning committee meeting heard other developers had been interested in the site but discussions had stalled.

Chairman Coun John Hesketh, said: "This is a prominent site which has lain empty for some time.

"When things are running well, I think there can be a case made for demanding a contribution towards affordable housing, but I think in these more difficult times we have to balance competing factors."

After the meeting, Coun Tony Damms, who voted against the plans, said the 90,000 contribution was "derisory."

At the same meeting, plans to build 24 flats for over-55s on the site of the Sicey Hotel in Shiregreen were also approved, as were plans to demolish unused church halls in Norton and build 13 homes in their place.

Another application for a three-storey block of student flats on Wilkinson Street, Broomhall, was withdrawn by the developer.