Conversion of Sheffield city centre office block approved

The proposed conversion of a 1970s office building in Sheffield city centre into apartments has been given the green light.DBG Synergy House Ltd recently submitted a full planning application to Sheffield City Council for the change of use of the Synergy Building on Bank Street.The building, previously known as Belgrave House and St Peters House, dates back to the 1970s and comprises a single building around an internal courtyard.It has been in use as offices for a number of years but is currently partially vacant.The plans cover the conversion of the building into residential accommodation.A total of 80 units are proposed, with three studios, 44 one-bedroom and 33 two-bedroom apartments.External communal amenity space is proposed at Levels 2 and 6, as well as private roof terraces for two units.The plans also include car parking and secure storage for 130 bicycles.The council has now granted approval for the conversion, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.A planning officer’s report accompanying the decision said: “The development is acceptable in principle and will be of significant benefit in terms of meeting the City’s housing needs in a highly sustainable location.”The standard of accommodation provided would be acceptable in the context of the central urban location of the site in terms of the external and internal amenity space provided, the access to natural light and the cycle and waste storage facilities provided.”