Dozens object to homes plan on grounds of historic Sheffield hotel

In a statement on behalf of the applicant, Franklin Ellis Architects said the existing hotel use would be safeguarded and its operations would not be affected.

They said: “Kenwood Hall Hotel occupies a substantial plot in a historic residential area of Kenwood Park in the Nether Edge Conservation Area.

“This proposal is to provide sensitively designed new-build residential accommodation on the western part of the site, which is an area which does not currently have a substantial use.

“The proposals also include the refurbishment and adaptation of the historic stable block to create single-family dwellings in order to secure the future of the property with an appropriate and sustainable use.

“Proposed landscaping works will ensure the design of the existing gardens is restored and ensure the setting of the historic buildings are not adversely impacted.

“Local residents and the occupiers of the proposed dwellings will be welcome to enjoy the substantial mature gardens of Kenwood Hall as well as the facilities of the hotel. Creating a sustainable use for the redundant hotel land and encouraging the wider use of the hotel services will support the hotel income and safeguard the future of the hotel and its many employees.”

But there are so far 84 comments objecting to the plans which raise a range of concerns.

One objector, who lives on the nearby Osberton Place, said: "I couldn't be more upset by the work you are proposing. There is already a dangerous junction and a high volume of traffic passing through this area. Adding to this would be dangerous; harmful to the surrounding trees which already have to battle with the resulting traffic pollution and damaging to the well established settlement of badgers in the locality.

"One would assume the design of these dwellings would echo that of something seen in Grand Designs, something which would simply ruin the stylistic context of the area.

"This is to name just a few points, but when you read the rest of these objections, it'll paint a crystal clear picture."

Another said the plans will be devastating for the Kenwood Community Growers (KCG).

They said: "KCG were grateful the hotel offered use of the old kitchen garden (which will be occupied by houses C & D), for community use in the first place. But they are now devastated the huge amounts of hard work by volunteers will now have to be aborted after just one year, to make way for luxury housing.

"The community enterprise scheme has been highly productive and enabled residents from across the community to acquire gardening skills under expert tutelage.

"It has enabled significant amounts of fresh produce to be donated back to the community and has demonstrated the viability of the enterprise, which would have continued to grow. It is disappointing to note that the Landscape Appraisal characterises the community garden as 'redundant space', which is plainly not the case."

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