Plans for public park redrawn to overcome access problems

Planning officers in Sheffield have had to make adjustments to the plans for Sheaf Valley Park, which will occupy land between Sheffield railway station and Norfolk Park.

The scheme, which includes a huge amphitheatre for open-air public events, was first proposed by Sheffield Council back in 2005.

However, planning permission was not granted until March last year, after the necessary funding had been secured.

Now, the development is set to go back before the planning committee on Tuesday to look again at access to the park.

Since planning permission was approved last year it has come to light that one of the proposed paths from the railway station through the park to Shrewsbury Road, which crosses private land, has an existing public right of way which is legally restricted to only pedestrians and wheelchair users.

It therefore cannot be used to provide access for cyclists, maintenance vehicles and occasional vehicles serving the proposed amphitheatre.

Council planners have therefore now drawn up plans for an additional path to Shrewsbury Road, to provide a separate access for cycles and service vehicles.

In a report set to go before Tuesday's committee meeting, the planners say: "The intention is to create the Sheaf Valley Park, which will form a green corridor comprising a series of safe, accessible and vibrant spaces, each with its own character and attraction, stretching from Norfolk Park to Victoria Quays.

"This corridor will encompass the open space at South Street, the Cholera Monument and ground, Clay Wood and Norfolk Park and is intended to improve linkages between the Park Hill area and adjoining neighbourhoods and the city centre."

The report adds: "This application proposes the construction of a new route for cyclists and the occasional service vehicle, utilising the accessible route already approved, but then extending southwards

to connect onto Shrewsbury Road."

The slight amendments to the plans will also include chopping down five existing trees, although six new ones will be planted in their place.

Only one representation has been made to Sheffield Council regarding the scheme, from the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE).

It says that the plans must ensure that drainage diverts away the possibility of water flooding the Supertram line or railway.

Recommending the amended application is approved, the planning officers say: "The applicant is fully aware of the concerns of SYPTE and it is not anticipated that this proposal will worsen any existing drainage issues.

"The application will enhance accessibility through the park for cyclists and pedestrians and provide an occasional vehicle route to serve the events space, which is considered essentially to improving the general use of the park and attracting more visitors to it."

Once Sheaf Valley Park is developed, it should provide improved pedestrian access between the Park Hill area and the railway station and Supertram stop.

The site slopes steeply and the proposals include a well-lit path with a series of steps to help pedestrians negotiate the incline.

Meanwhile the amphitheatre, which would be cut into the hillside, would have seating created from a series of new steps.

Tuesday's planning meeting, at which the latest application is set to be approved, begins at 2pm at Sheffield Town Hall.