Sheffield car park could be lost in 100-apartment plan

Developers want to build 95 one-bed, a two-bed and four studio apartments on Stepney Street car park near Cricket Inn Road.

Nine local residents and a business have objected saying losing the car park would exacerbate existing parking problems and it is "unrealistic" to build 100 flats with only seven disabled parking spaces.

They also say they wouldn't have enough natural daylight or outdoor space and the building would overshadow neighbours, particularly the Old Street flats and the properties and gardens on Bard Street.

Planning officers support the scheme and say the area is becoming more residential. They are unhappy about the "dominance" of one-bedroom flats and say a mix of accommodation, including larger homes, would be better. But on balance the scheme will bring a neglected brownfield site back into use.

In a report, they say: "The scale and massing of the proposal is supportable and the contemporary design is appropriate for this edge of centre location.

"The proposal would improve the physical environment by bringing this derelict, brownfield site back into use. While a small number of flats would have a limited outlook, daylight levels would remain appropriate and the vast majority of the units would have good outlook.

"There are concerns regarding the impact on parking in the area, however, as the principle of a car-free scheme is established on the site, there are no strong justifications for refusal on parking grounds.

"While there are a number of negative aspects to the scheme, the need to make the development viable by delivering a minimum of 100 units is accepted.

"The site would otherwise continue to lie vacant, and significant weight is given to the regeneration benefits of the scheme and realising the site’s housing supply."

The plans can be viewed here and councillors will make a decision at a meeting on Tuesday, August 25.

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