Developers are "extremely disappointed" over rejection of £35m Ecclesall Road scheme

Sheffield City Council’s decision to reject plans for a £35m residential and commercial scheme for Ecclesall Road has been met with disdain from the developers.

Hallminster Ltd saw their application narrowly turned down after an intense debate, and will now lodge an appeal against the verdict.

Dan Simpson, of Hallminster Ltd, said: “We are extremely disappointed that planning permission was refused for a scheme that council officers accept will have regeneration benefits for part of Ecclesall Road.

“We believe the design of the development is top quality and appropriate for the location. It was described as imaginative and in keeping with its surroundings during the public consultation process.

“The planning committee’s decision has left us with no option but to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in an attempt to ensure Sheffield does not miss out on a £35m project. We want to invest in Sheffield, but we fear we are being forced to turn to cities such as Manchester and Leeds, which are more receptive to developers.”

The application was rejected by seven votes to five, with Hallminster receiving support from councillors of all parties.

Mr Simpson said: “The officers’ recommendation was heavily scrutinised. Indeed major question marks remain over some of the officers’ responses which, as developers, we believe merit further scrutiny.”

“We feel very frustrated that Sheffield City Council gave us so little time to consider the officers’ objections before their recommendation to the planning committee.”

Darren Southgate of Sheffield-based Bond Bryan Architects, added: “This is the first time a development we have designed – and we work in cities such as London, Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield - has been taken to appeal. Our quality is so high that designs have been welcomed by authorities across the country.”

The Ecclesall Road project includes about 120 apartments for single people, couples and families, and 44 high quality student apartments, along with ground floor shops and other commercial outlets.

The location is a former car dealership site between Summerfield Street and Pear Street, near the old Wards Brewery.

Rejecting these plans also puts at risk 300 jobs during the construction phase and 100 plus permanent jobs. The development is due to be managed by MAF Properties, who have been providing student and private housing in Sheffield for 25 years.

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