West Bar flats scheme decided in Sheffield

Plans to convert the empty Crown House office building on West Bar into an eight-storey student accommodation block have been approved by the council.

The offices, built in 2007 but never occupied after the economic downturn struck, will be turned into 355 apartments for students from both city universities by the start of the 2017-18 academic year. A shop is to be created on the ground floor.

A planning report to councillors said: “The redevelopment of the site, incorporating and enhancing the existing building, is welcomed.

“Since 2007, the site has had the appearance of an empty, stalled and unfinished project, which in turn has detracted from the appearance of this prominent location.”