Go-ahead urged for flats project at Bramall Lane soccer ground

OUTLINE plans for a development of 52 one-bedroom flats at Bramall Lane football ground are set to be approved despite opposition to the scheme.

The new three- and four-storey blocks would be built at the junction of John Street and Shoreham Street, and would back onto the football stadium.

Ward councillors have objected to the application, submitted by Turley Associates on behalf of Sheffield United FC, saying that it constitutes over-development in a busy residential area.

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Coun Rob Murphy said: "A development of more family-orientated housing would be more in line with the wishes and needs of the local community and our goal of producing balanced communities."

Further objections have come from Coun Mohammad Maroof and three local residents.

One neighbour, Cath Degenhart, said: "What possible reason is there to build these flats in a built-up area? This will be a further strain on local facilities."

However, planning officers at Sheffield Council have advised that the scheme should be given outline planning consent when the proposals are considered by councillors at Monday's meeting. They say the flats are of an "appropriate" scale and would be more attractive than the existing walls, turnstiles and advertising hoardings which are currently on the site.

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The planners also stress that, while the block is more modern in appearance than the surrounding Victorian terraces, it represents an "appropriate architectural response to the prevailing residential character of the area".

In their report, the officers said: "The exact materials are not specified, but there is a clear commitment to use facing and roofing materials that complement the surrounding built environment.

"Access corridors occupy the rear of the building and, not only does this protect the future occupants from intrusion, but it also provides a buffer between the football stadium activity and the habitable rooms."

Although the number of parking spaces provided is just 15 for the 52 flats – below the recommended levels – officials say this should not prove a problem as the site is so near Sheffield city centre.

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The report added: "It is acknowledged that the locality experiences difficulties with on-street parking, though the Highfield residents parking scheme has recently been implemented and this should help alleviate on-street parking problems for residents in the locality of the ground.

"The applicant has been informed that no additional parking permits will be available to residents of this scheme, should it be granted permission, and a car-free directive should be a requirement of any permission.

Recommending that the scheme should be granted outline planning permission, the planners said: "It is not felt that the proposal will result in a loss of amenity to existing residents and it should provide an acceptable level of amenity to the future occupants."

If the scheme is given approval, Sheffield United will have to pay 111,000 to the council towards providing affordable housing, as well as a further 26,780 for open space and 2,600 for upgrading cycle facilities.

Monday's planning meeting begins at 2pm at Sheffield Town Hall. No spokesman for Sheffield United was available for comment.