Developer to appeal over Sheffield Student Accommodation Scheme
Developer Hallminster has said it will lodge an appeal after Sheffield City Council rejected its plans for a £35m residential and commercial scheme for Ecclesall Road.
The company’s application was narrowly turned down after an intense debate. The application was rejected by seven votes to five and Hallminster said it received support from councillors of all parties.
Dan Simpson, of Hallminster, said: We are extremely disappointed that planning permission was refused this afternoon for a scheme that council officers accept will have regeneration benefits for part of Ecclesall Road.
We believe the design of the development is top quality and appropriate for the location. It was described as imaginative and in keeping with its surroundings during the public consultation process.
The planning committee’s decision has left us with no option but to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in an attempt to ensure Sheffield does not miss out on a £35m project.
We want to invest in Sheffield, but we fear we are being forced to turn to cities such as Manchester and Leeds, which are more receptive to developers.””
Darren Southgate, of Sheffield-based Bond Bryan Architects, said: “”This is the first time a development we have designed – and we work in cities such as London, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield – has been taken to appeal. Our quality is so high that designs have been welcomed by authorities across the country.””
The Ecclesall Road project includes about 120 apartments for single people, couples and families, and 44 high quality student apartments, along with ground floor shops and other commercial outlets.
The location is a former car dealership site between Summerfield Street and Pear Street, near the old Wards Brewery …