'He'd be turning in his grave' - Pensioner criticises plans to turn war hero's Sheffield bungalow into apartments

Dozens of people objected to the application to transform a bungalow into five apartments on Worcester Drive, Lodge Moor.

Vincent Doherty, aged 85, who lives next door to the site said: “If it gets built I’ll be dead in six months. I’ve had two heart attacks and I’ve just been diagnosed with a chronic chest complaint - the fumes and noise will be too much."

In the home neighbouring the site on the other side is another man in his eighties who Vincent said has dementia and needs four health visits a day.

The site has been vacant for two years since the previous owner - Vincent’s best friend - died.

Vincent said the grandson is involved in the development team now looking to knock it down.

He said: "It’s dreadful, it’s been sitting here for two years. My friend would be turning in his grave. He was a war hero.

"The grandson came to see me at the start and said 'Vinny, I'm building flats but it won't bother you'. I even vouched for him and his father to get into the golf club and then they do this to me."

Vincent said he is also worried about fuel spilling down to his home, especially as he keeps his barbecue underneath where the proposed car park would be.

The plans would see a car park built next to Vincent's home and playhouse, where there are currently bushes and shrubs. He raised concerns about fumes and the potential impact on badgers who pass through the bushes.

Residents on the street are also concerned about more cars coming in and out of the top of the street, which is already lined with parked vehicles - saying it would be a "danger" to the old folk and children who live in the area.

They would rather see the car park rearranged so it faced the main road, away from neighbouring homes.

Council officers recommended the plans for approval and Vincent said the community feels ignored.

Officers said: “It is considered the proposal represents an appropriate form of development that would not harm the character or appearance of the area. Indeed, it is considered the contemporary design approach will make a positive contribution to the character and appearance of the area.

“The proposals raise no significant residential amenity issues with neighbouring properties unlikely to be subject to any significant overlooking, loss of outlook or overshadowing.”

Andrew Tingle, of WireFrame Studio - the agent for the application, said they had re-jigged the car park, included more green space and that the plans had been “significantly” reduced.

He added: “Although we recognise the objections we feel it will provide a future proof, sustainable development for residents.

“We have gone through a rigorous design process and there has been lots of consultation on the plans.”

Sheffield Council's planning committee will make a decision on the plans on January 28.