Final decision due on controversial redevelopment plans for Sheffield’s former Rare & Racy site

The planning committee was due to decide in April whether developers could replace three Georgian buildings on Devonshire Street with glass fronted offices.

Councillors deferred the application for a site visit then it was paused a second time while the local election campaign took place.

Now the planning committee, which has some brand new councillors recently elected, will make a decision on Tuesday.

There had been 64 objections, including from Hallamshire Historic Buildings, and criticism that the scheme is “poor, unimaginative, bulky, insensitive, an eyesore, dominating and adds to the blandness of the city centre”.

Planning permission was granted in 2015 to demolish the shops and replace them with a three-storey building with ground floor offices and apartments above.

The original plans were opposed by 20,000 people and there were demonstrations outside the Town Hall. Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker called Rare & Racy a ‘global treasure’.

The bookshop shut for good in 2017 when its lease expired, the shops either side moved elsewhere and the row has remained empty since.

Developers say the previous scheme was marketed softly by several letting agents and while two retail/food and drink operators showed interest, they didn’t proceed. They believe there will still be a desire for offices after the pandemic.

Planners are recommending approval, saying it will regenerate the site and improve its appearance.