Sheffield apartments scheme gets the go-ahead

Revised plans for a development of almost 160 build-to-rent (BTR) apartments on a site in Sheffield city centre have been given the green light.Beech Holdings Investments, supported by Urbana, submitted a full planning application to Sheffield City Council last year for development on the former William Rowland site on Meadow Street.The site, located in the city’s St Vincent’s Quarter, currently comprises a variety of commercial buildings. A number of the existing properties are vacant with most said to be in a relatively poor state of repair.The plans cover the demolition of the existing properties and construction of a new building of between six and nine storeys.In total, 158 apartments are proposed, with 51 two-bedroom, 99 one-bedroom and eight three-bedroom units.Shared facilities would include a gym, lounge, landscaped courtyard and roof terrace. A total of 174 cycling parking spaces would also be provided.The council has now granted planning permission, subject to conditions, under delegated powers.A planning officer’s report accompanying the decision said: “The proposal is considered to contribute positively to all three aspects of sustainability.”Economic benefits would include the introduction of new residents to support the city centre economy, as well as employment opportunities during the construction phase. The main social benefit would be the substantial contribution to Sheffield’s housing supply, with dwellings of a high standard of amenity.”Whilst there would be some impacts on neighbouring residents’ daylight and privacy, these impacts are difficult to avoid on a city centre site, and do not outweigh the benefits of the proposal.”In terms of environmental sustainability, the proposal would introduce a new building of a high-quality design, thereby improving the appearance of the site.”A hybrid application was previously submitted for a part seven-, part nine-storey co-living development featuring a total of 207 apartments. However, this was subsequently withdrawn following concerns raised by planning officers.Following discussions, the proposal was changed from co-living to a BTR scheme.