Supermarket scheme at former bank is opposed by university

The retailer has drawn up plans for the former branch of HSBC, close to the university tram stop on Upper Hanover Street, Sheffield, and applied for a licence to sell alcohol until midnight.

But the idea has been greeted with horror by Sheffield University’s estates and facilities management department, whose chief Keith Lilley has written to council bosses to “strongly object”.

In his letter, Mr Lilley sets out a series of problems with the application, and refers to problems the institution already has to cope with as a result drinking and anti-social behaviour.

He says: “The university has suffered from numerous problems in this location, from the theft and damage of property to human excrement on and around the properties in this location.

“The introduction of alcohol sales in this location and to such a late time, will encourage further activities of this nature.

“The sale of alcohol without the university’s policy of responsible retailing of alcohol in this location will encourage further binge drinking and both affect the public safety in the location and increase the instances of public nuisance.”

In its application, Sainsbury’s says it will take several steps to ensure public safety including maintaining an “adequate” number of staff on the premises during operating hours.

With regard to containing public nuisance, supermarket bosses say: “Signage will be displayed at the exit of the premises requesting customers leaving the premises late at night to do so quietly and with consideration so as not to disturb nearby residents.”

The firm also says it will install CCTV cameras agreed with police which will operate “at all times when licensable activities are taking place”.

“The system will incorporate a camera covering each of the entrance doors and the main alcohol display area and will be capable of providing an image which is regarded as identification standard.”

Despite these assurances, the university says that use as a supermarket selling alcohol is “unsuitable” while its previous use as a bank was acceptable in the area.

University bosses said as well as the issues of public order, they were also concerned about traffic levels and parking issues which would be caused by the new branch of Sainsbury’s.

Mr Lilley says: “The use of this property as a bank has meant the majority of visitors to the premises have been on foot. The university has major concerns over both an increase in traffic flow, especially in the evenings.

“The second concern relating to traffic is the unloading of stock to the premises as there is no loading or unloading area with the property.

“The premises have previously had only very light collections and deliveries by small vehicles.

“The properties around the subject building, such as the Information Commons property is used on a 24-hour basis.

“Regardless of the delivery times to this unit, this will increase the danger to students walking along this road network.

“In summary the university believes that if the proposed licence is granted, it will affect both public and student safety due to the traffic issues this use will cause and the introduction of an unsuitable clientele mix.

“We are further of the opinion that there will be an increase in crime, disorder and public nuisance.

“This location is unsuitable for the proposed use and will lead to management problems for both the police and university.”

The supermarket’s licence application will be discussed by members of Sheffield Council’s licensing committee at a meeting to be held at the Town Hall next Tuesday.

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