Shops hope for old cutlery works

At present, the Hutton's Buildings, a former cutlery works, is occupied by food and drink outlets including the Lava Lounge bar and tapas restaurant La Mancha.

The building is also home to Ben's Centre, a drop-in facility for street drinkers, which is accessed from a separate entrance in Orange Street.

If the plans go ahead all these businesses will remain, but 1,373 square metres of new shops run by independent traders could open up on the first and second floors above.

A new restaurant could also open on the ground level, which would have tables and chairs outdoors in an internal courtyard.

The third and fourth floors, meanwhile, would be accommodate a training centre, nursery, art gallery, library, day centre and gym.

The building was previously occupied by offices, including accountancy, publishing and law firms, but the last of these moved out five years ago.

Planning officers at Sheffield Council have recommended the scheme is granted consent when it is considered by councillors at a meeting today.

In the report to the meeting they say: "The applicant has advised that they intend to promote the Hutton's Building as a retail, leisure and business destination that is primarily underpinned by attracting independent design and fashion retailers to trade on multi-levels within the quadrangle complex.

"These will be supported by a range of complimentary smaller scale service, voluntary or arts sector workshops and workspaces together with a food and drink offer available on site.

"The applicant states that the target tenant audience is 'generally excluded from acquiring trading space in traditional retail locations, principally on the grounds of affordability'."

Objections to the development have come from two residents of the Royal Plaza, which lies on the opposite side of West Street to the Hutton's Buildings.

Both have objected to a minor element of the scheme, which involves a small extension to one of the existing bars.

One opponent told the council: "The redevelopment of this empty property is generally welcomed, but this area does not need another drinking establishment as there are already too many.

"However, retail or other community uses would be of benefit to residents."

The other objector said that the nearby Players sports bar already caused additional noise, and more bar space in the area would "increase the noise levels and anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol excess".

In their report, however, the planning officers point out that the application is not for an additional pub but for an internal extension into the courtyard area.

The planners also say that eating and drinking establishments are a suitable use for the building, as it is in a "mixed-use city centre area where the principle of cafes and restaurants is acceptable".

But to guard against any additional disturbance, they say that the new restaurant on the site will have limited opening hours until 11pm each night.

Recommending that the scheme should be approved, the planning officers say: "The proposed development is considered to accord with relevant planning policy and is recommended for approval subject to conditions."

Tomorrow's planning committee meeting is set to begin at 2pm at Sheffield Town Hall.