Apartments and commercial units approved for car centre site

Sheffield councillors have given the green light for apartments and commercial premises at Sheffield Car Centre, Penistone Road, Grenoside.

They have approved plans for 20 one-bed homes in a three and four-storey block, which will also feature three ground floor commercial units – one of which will be a convenience store. A total of 39 car parking spaces will be provided.

Members of Sheffield City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee were told the land has been occupied by a used car sales and vehicle repair business.

The meeting was told earlier plans for 32 apartments at this location had been amended down to 20 flats.

Some concerns were raised about the application, with Councillor Alan Hooper questioning the massing and height of the proposed block.

Cllr Brian Holmshaw said while the scheme did have some pluses he added: “It should be possible to build homes that fit the character of this village and these homes do not fit in.

“The building should be of an exemplary design, but this isn’t, so I will not be voting in favour.”

However, most committee members were broadly in favour of the application, with Cllr Dianne Hurst commenting: “I think it provides a reasonable contribution to housing in the area and it’s in an eminently sustainable location.

“I can see it being quite popular with people who want to downsize from family homes.”

Cllr Andrew Sangar said the reduction from 32 to 20 apartments was an improvement, adding: “It is a positive application and I think this is the sort of site we need to be redeveloping.”