Apartments plan for city centre building approved

The proposed conversion and extension of a prominent building in Sheffield city centre to provide studio apartments has been given the green light.Oakstore, supported by Bond Bryan and Urbana Town Planning, submitted an application to Sheffield City Council last year for the redevelopment of Rockingham House on West Street.The ground floor is currently occupied by Players Bar and a takeaway, which are both expected to be retained under the plans. The four upper floors were most recently occupied by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) but are currently vacant.The plans cover the reconfiguration of the existing buildings and a two-storey roof top extension to provide 162 build-to-rent studio apartments.About 2,900 sq ft of amenity space would be created, including a gym, lounge and shared work space. A ‘light well’ with planting which will form a signature focal point for the communal lounge.The proposals also include storage space for 64 bicycles.Planning permission has now been granted for the development, subject to conditions, by the council under delegated powers.An officer’s report accompanying the decision highlighted benefits including the reuse of an existing building for a high-density residential scheme; a contribution to the five-year housing land supply; and a highly sustainable and accessible location,However, it also noted the small size of the residential units and the lack of a mix in unit sizes.The report added: “It is concluded that, in light of the benefits and disbenefits and compliance with other relevant policies identified in the report, in this instance the balance falls in favour of scheme. It is concluded that the proposal forms a sustainable form of development and it is recommended that planning permission is granted.”The project team includes Urbana Town Planning (planning consultant), BB7 (fire consultant) and Nova Acoustics (acoustic consultant).