Councillors will not launch appeal over former John Lewis store listing
Sheffield City councillors have agreed not to call for a review of the Grade II listing of the former John Lewis building, in Barker’s Pool.
At a Special Strategy and Resources Committee meeting, councillors decided the council’s response to the listing granted by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) earlier this month.
The committee considered the implications of the listing, potential costs, legal advice, plans for development and the opinions of Sheffield people and decided not to take any formal action with regards to the listing decision.
It means the council can continue the process of securing a developer for the Barker’s Pool site.
However, approval was given for officers to approach Historic England to query elements of the listing description and the weight they have given to their significance.
Approval was also given to set out a planning brief for all interested developers, working alongside Historic England to figure out what options are possible for the site following the listing.
Interested developers have been informed of the listing decision and following discussions a number have indicated they are still keen to progress their proposals.
Approval has also been given for the council to approach Historic England, Arts Council of England, Heritage Lottery Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, other Government agencies and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority for potential funding support with any possible costs incurred because of the listing.
This comes after council leader, Councillor Terry Fox, wrote to the Secretary of State for DCMS last week appealing for more time to review the listing decision and request that no extra financial burden should be placed on the council and Sheffield residents due to the listing.
Cllr Fox said: “The listing came as a shock to members, officers and many Sheffielders. I have made it clear I will speak up for the people of Sheffield and I strongly believe this listing should not be detrimental to our city.
“We will be approaching organisations for funding support to limit the financial implications for the city and its residents.
“It is clear from legal advice that there is no scope to successfully challenge the listing through the formal process. It would inevitably lead to a costly review and slow down development.
“After weighing up all the information it is clear there are still plenty of exciting opportunities for the Barker’s Pool site and I am assured we do still have the option to query elements of the listing and their significance.
“I think we can get something great here for the city but, as I said in my letter to the Minister, the Government’s listing decision must not end up costing the council or Sheffield taxpayers.”
