Sheffield councillors reject plans to turn former Loch Fyne building into apartments due to lack of 'affordable housing'

Loch Fyne on Glossop Road closed in 2016 and the Grade II listed Victorian building has been vacant ever since.

The distinctive red brick building was originally a terrace of six town houses.

It was the popular Hanrahans bar in the 1980s and 90s which closed its doors in 2008 to become the fish and seafood restaurant, Loch Fyne.

Developers wanted to turn it into 27 one, two and three-bed apartments but councillors refused the plans.

Coun Dianne Hurst said: "It may only be £82,500 but we see this time and time again don't we? We have legal powers should a listed building be in danger of falling down to require the owner to make it safe and if this developer can't develop this building and make a profit on it I'm sure there is another one who can.

"For us, they've got 27 key worker flats in a very desirable place with parking and it really offends me that we're not defending a principle because it's £82,500 which would be a contribution towards affordable housing rather than half a million. I think it's a principle worth defending."

Coun Peter Price added: "We owe it to the people of Sheffield to do everything in our power to get as much affordable housing as we can. At every opportunity we get we must insist it, because it sets a pattern for other developers."

But the planning committee was split on the decision. Seven voted against the plans and four voted in favour.

Those supporting the plans said the proposals provided a good opportunity to save the historic Grade II-listed building.

Coun Bob McCann said: “We've got a listed building here which has suffered a lot of abuse over the years. I used to frequent it when it was Hanrahans but since then it's gone downhill. The extensions at the back are quite hideous.

"We can't afford to let buildings like this fall apart, I walk around Sheffield and I don't recognise our city anymore.”