Traffic fears over plans to turn ex-Sheffield hotel into housing

Calls have been made to consider a reduction of the speed limit on a busy Sheffield road if plans to turn a former hotel into housing are given the go-ahead.
The Beauchief Hotel, Abbeydale Road South. Picture: Andrew RoeThe Beauchief Hotel, Abbeydale Road South. Picture: Andrew Roe
The Beauchief Hotel, Abbeydale Road South. Picture: Andrew Roe

Residents living on Abbeydale Road South have raised concerns about the impact of plans to turn The Beauchief into six apartments, with a further 12 houses and 12 apartments being built in its grounds.

The hotel shut in January after bosses decided to cease trading, with developers announcing in February their intention to build housing on the site.

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They are now seeking planning permission for the finalised proposals.

But concerns have been raised with the council’s planning department about the potential effect of the intended scheme.

One objector, Edward Douglas, said: “The transport report seems to me to be superficial and inadequate.

“The density of housing in this area has increased in the last two decades and the road has got busier but this junction still has a 40mph speed limit.

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“People will be leaving for work at rush hour, driving up a ramp close to the junction and trying to turn right as traffic, which speeds routinely at 50mph plus, comes out of town. The planning authority needs to take this issue seriously.”

And Kevin Luker said the plans would increase traffic. He said:“A reduction in the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph from the traffic lights to Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet needs to be seriously considered.”