A NEW multi-storey car park planned for the city centre has been sent back to the drawing board after its design was condemned as "the biggest cage in Europe".
Plans for the 1,684 space car park on the edge of Sheffield's New Retail Quarter were considered by councillors at Sheffield Council's planning board.
Developers Hammerson want to build the 10-storey car park on a site at Wellington Street, Trafalgar Street, Devonshire Lane and Rockingham Street, next to where the present Central Fire Station stands.
The station is due to be demolished soon to make way for a new expanded John Lewis store, which will be next to the planned car park.
But Coun John Hesketh reckoned plans for the new car park, which was proposed to be covered in a stainless steel mesh, made it look like an ugly giant cage.
He said: "The dominant feature here is vast amounts of industrial metal grille on a large building. Manchester used to have a building in the Arndale Centre covered in ceramic tiles and was dubbed the largest urinal in Europe by Mancunians.
"This will be a substantial building of 10 storeys. I think it is in danger of being dubbed the largest cage in Europe.
"I think that an extra effort should be made to try to soften the appearance of the building."
Coun Alan Whitehouse was even more critical, describing it as "a tatty mess".
But Coun Peter Price said: "I think that the stainless steel is an attractive feature that shows an aspect of Sheffield. What are we deferring for?
It just leaves in the air. It is just running away from taking a decision."
Part of the planned car park will feature a 'green wall' made up of plants which would be irrigated by rainwater.
The meeting also approved plans for another car park with 529 spaces on the site of the Sheffield Assay Office on Portobello Street.
It will be covered in aluminium mesh panels in a wave pattern with panes of coloured glass set into them.
The Green Party reckoned building more car parks was taking Sheffield down the road of more cars – and more pollution.
Coun Bernard Little said: "To make a provision for another two multi-story car parks providing 2,225 car park spaces in Sheffield City centre shows that Sheffield is far from being the green city it claims.
"By providing yet more car park space we will damage the city centre with more congestion, air pollution and increases in greenhouse gas emissions.
"The impact on city centre residents' health and what little green spaces we have will be made worse. For the sake of us all we need an environmentally sound solution to Sheffield's economic future."
Coun Price dismissed the fears saying: "What about the pollution from driving around trying to find a parking space? The Green Party wouldn't be happy unless we all came to town on a horse and cart."
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