New flats to replace 'eyesore' site

The rundown Darnall Medical Aid Society on Fisher Lane in Darnall is empty, and has been vandalised and misused.

Now councillors on the city centre, South, and East planning and highways area board, who meet on Monday, are being advised to approve plans for an apartment block of three flats and garages.

The building had been used by the Aid Society charity, and some garages are rented out, but the Medical Aid Society says demand for use of the building is in decline and the charity does not have the resources to maintain it.

It has been forced to spend “a substantial amount” maintaining and repairing the building.

A previous application for 12 apartments was withdrawn after more than 160 people signed a petition against it.

Planning officers received three letters of objection to the current plan, and the petition was sent again, but officers say the loss of the facility would not mean a significant drop in t services in the area.

A report states: “The redevelopment of the site to form residential accommodation would result in the disposal of an eyesore.”