Sheffield church can be converted into homes despite parking concerns
A landmark Sheffield church that has lain empty for 12 years has permission to be turned into apartments despite complaints about parking issues.
Permission for the conversion of the 19th-century Stannington Methodist Church – also known as Knowle Top Methodist Church – and neighbouring schoolrooms in Stannington Road was agreed yesterday (November 11) by Sheffield City Council’s planning and highways committee.
Committee members said that the plans were not ideal because no parking is included but they would rather see the church and schoolrooms brought back into sympathetic use. The seven two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom apartments will be marketed at the over-55s.
An earlier plan to create 12 apartments that included parking on site was rejected by the committee last year because the access to Stannington Road was not considered safe at it is close to an S-bend and an infant school. The plan also did not allow for an outdoor area for residents.
The revised scheme, submitted by Spring Planning Ltd, involves building cycle storage. The area formerly designated for parking will now provide an outdoor space.
The council has received 25 letters of objection, including from Bradfield Parish Council, and three in support. The three Stannington ward councillors also lodged objections.
Fantastic
Coun Tony Downing said: “What a fantastic-looking building it is – it would be great to bring that building back to life rather than just letting it deteriorate.
“The parking up there is going to be very difficult in my view. The on-street parking as it is looks to be pretty full up there and this would only exacerbate the situation.”
Highways officer Helen Johnson said that the extra 16 cars the scheme might generate could be accommodated in the area without causing safety concerns.
Coun Henry Nottage asked about possible community uses. Planning officer Andrew Burton replied that the church was nominated as an asset of community value but insufficient money was raised for locals to take the building over.
Mr Burton said the church has been closed and vacant for 12 years.
He added: “There are already signs of deterioration within the building. The more it sits vacant, the more the deterioration.”
Coun Alan Woodcock said: “There is no appropriate off-street parking and that to me says it shouldn’t go ahead.”