Conservation campaigners are celebrating protection for “many more historic buildings” in Sheffield after a seven-year campaign.

Hallamshire Historic Buildings is "delighted" Sheffield City Council has included Castlegate, Devonshire Green and Neepsend in existing Conservation Areas.

It comes seven years after consultation into a conservation area in Castlegate was cancelled by a senior councillor who claimed they were a “brake on development.”

Castlegate demolitions, from top right, clockwise: Wiley and Co, Old Coroner's Court and Market Tavern. At risk: Old Town Hall, top left. Inset: Robin Hughes, of Hallamshire Historic Buildings. | NW / Other

placeholder image — Castlegate demolitions, from top right, clockwise: Wiley and Co, Old Coroner's Court and Market Tavern. At risk: Old Town Hall, top left. Inset: Robin Hughes, of Hallamshire Historic Buildings. | NW / Other

Last year, there was uproar after three historic buildings were demolished in Castlegate: the Wiley & Co wine merchants at 23-25 Haymarket, the Old Coroner’s Court on Nursery Street and the Market Tavern on Exchange Street.

An HHB spokesperson said: “We fought hard for these neglected areas to be included alongside Castlegate, and this is an important step towards that.

“It’s taken a long time, and we would very much have liked the council to go further.

Newly-protected-buildings-Glossop-Road-baths-Devonshire-Street-shops-Arthur-Davy-Haymarket-1024x627 | HHB

“However, no-one should underestimate just how big an achievement this is.

“Caring for our historic buildings shows pride in our history and identity, but done right it is also an engine of prosperity.”

Adam Murray, CEO of Sheffield planning consultants Urbana, said he believed conservation areas were, “on balance, a very good thing.”

But he warned against any further “over designation.”

The city centre conservation area (red) has been extended to include Castlegate and Devonshire and West streets. | SCC

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He said: “Preserving our architectural and historic heritage is essential if we are to maintain a sense of pride in our past and allow the finest elements of our city to endure for future generations.

“That said, the designation has occasionally been applied too broadly or too loosely, encompassing large swathes of land that do not truly meet the statutory tests for special architectural or historic interest. In some instances, this over-designation has undoubtedly constrained sensible development and regeneration.

“Ultimately, the most successful and beloved urban places in the world are those that skilfully blend cherished historic fabric with thoughtful, high-quality contemporary design. It is that harmonious marriage of old and new that creates neighbourhoods where people most want to spend their lives.”

Hallamshire Historic Buildings says conservation areas have special architectural or historic interest which it is desirable to preserve or enhance.

Adam Murray, CEO of Sheffield planning consultants Urbana, said he believed conservation areas were, “on balance, a very good thing.” | Adam Murray

There is a legal presumption in favour of preserving or enhancing the area’s character or appearance.

Planning permission can only override this where there is a public benefit sufficient to outweigh this presumption and a similar benefit cannot be achieved with less harm in some other way.

There are additional controls on work that can be done without planning permission. In particular, unlisted buildings outside conservation areas can be demolished without planning permission, but inside the area they cannot.