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School's 'prison' fence green light
A SHEFFIELD school has been given the green light to erect a massive fence around its grounds – despite residents' objections that it would make the site look like a "concentration camp".
Abbeydale Grange School applied to put up the 2.3m high fence after a school inspector expressed "grave concerns" about security on the open site.
But Millhouses residents complained to the council planning board that the fence would be an "eyesore", and would cut off well-established footpaths.
Residents said the fence would make the school look like "a concentration camp" or "prison", and would ruin their views up the hill to Spring Wood.
But planning officers advised the planning board "the improved security of the school is deemed necessary".
After amendments to the plans, and a site visit, councillors on the City Centre, South and East Planning Board voted to allow the school to put up the fence.
The council will begin consultations regarding the closure of Abbeydale Grange School in September – but it is likely to be a number of years before the school shuts.
n Plans for a takeaway and flats in the city centre were turned down to help preserve the city's architectural heritage. Councillors rejected plans to convert an empty Grade II listed red-brick building on Westfield Terrace saying it would harm its character.
Internal floors would have to be lowered and walls moved to create enough room for the flats, the planning board was told.
n Councillors approved plans to turn a new Sheffield city centre office block into flats – because the developers could not fill the vacant offices.
The eight office units, part of the Mandale House development on Bailey Street, off Broad Lane, have stood empty since they were completed in May 2008, despite rent reductions and incentives.
n The board threw out plans to convert the Peak Fireplace Centre in Beighton into a restaurant. Planning officers said a restaurant didn't fit into the plan for the village shopping centre – and the application would "detrimentally affect the character, vitality and viability" of the area.
n The Nichols Building warehouse, in Shalesmoor, Sheffield, will be converted into 24 flats and an office block after councillors rubber-stamped the plans. Owner Terry Vickers, of Rails Road, Rivelin, will add two floors and a new wing to the auction house on the Shalesmoor-Shepherd Street corner.
n Developers were given permission for 27 new office units and warehouses on land behind the William Cook Precision Castings works on New Street, Mosborough.
n Planners gave permission for a new takeaway at 57 Bellhouse Road, in Firth Park, Sheffield. Plans for another takeaway, just yards away at number 69 on the same street, were withdrawn by the applicant.
n Councillors postponed decisions on alterations to two takeaways on the Wicker, near Sheffield city centre. An application to expand Imran's Southern Fried Chicken up a floor, and extend its opening hours, has been deferred. The board also put off a decision about "inappropriate" on the front of the Manu Salwa.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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