Six-storey office building at 39 Charles Street, Sheffield

What was proposed

The application sought changes to an approved six-storey office building, including revised plans, ground-floor commercial space, cycle parking and condition changes.

“Proposal Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 6-storey office building (Use Class E) with ground floor commercial unit (flexible retail and/or other Use Class E), with associated cycle parking (Resubmission of 21/02206/FUL) (Application under Section 73 to vary condition number(s): 2. (Approved Plans) 20. (Cycle changing/lockers/shower facilities) & 24. (LETI Net Zero Carbon Framework) imposed by planning permission 22/01617/FUL)”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a vacant three-storey building in the City Centre Conservation Area, near listed buildings and surrounding historic townscape.

“The application site is currently occupied by a 1950/60’s 3 storey building located on the corner of Charles Street to the south, and Norfolk Street to the east. The site forms part of a permitter block which wraps around to front St Pauls Parade, Pinstone Street and the Peace Gardens. The building is currently boarded up to the ground floor having been vacant for several years.”

“The site falls within the City Centre Conservation Area, with the closest listed buildings at 87 & 89 Pinstone Street - Prudential Assurance building (Grade II Listed) and The Townhall (Grade I Listed) beyond on the other side of the Peace Gardens.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

A six-storey scheme was approved in 2022 after an earlier seven-storey proposal was refused and its appeal dismissed.

“Planning permission was granted in November 2022 for the ‘Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 6-storey office building (Use Class E) with ground floor commercial unit (flexible retail and/or other Use Class E), with associated cycle parking. Application No. 22/01617/FUL.”

“Before this, permission was refused in January 2022 for the ‘Demolition of existing buildings and erection of 7-storey office building (Use Class E) with ground floor commercial unit (flexible retail and/or other Use Class E), with associated cycle parking’. This application was appealed, and the appeal was dismissed. Application No. 21/02206/FUL.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the amended scheme was considered acceptable in design, heritage, amenity, access, sustainability and highway terms.

“Net Zero Carbon Framework which requires changes to allow for an alternative method of calculations. Condition 31 and 32 relating to the green walls are to be reworded to update the conditions to ensure adequate wording for maintenance and combine as one condition. Condition 38 relates to doors overhanging the highway, at present this is limited to emergency exits and substations only, it is proposed that this is to be re-worded to include the bin store.”

“The alterations to the building remain well considered and will not harm the character of appearance of the building itself nor will they have an unacceptable adverse impact on any heritage assets including the Conservation Area, Listed Building, or non-designated building. The proposal remains acceptable in relation to amenity, access, sustainability and highways and complies with relevant national and local planning policies.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two people spoke against the application and one person spoke in support.

What members considered

Members considered the application, the officer recommendation, planning policies, other relevant matters and representations, then supported an added terrace screen.

“49b.5 The Committee considered the report and recommendation having regard to the development plan, the National Planning Policy Framework and other relevant considerations as summarised in the report and supplementary report, now submitted and also having regard to representations made.”

Minutes

The vote

The recorded vote was eight members in favour and four against, with no abstentions.

“49b.7 In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 18.6 (Recorded Votes), one third of the Members present at the meeting requested that a recorded vote be taken.”

“49b.9 Against the application (4) – Councillors Marieanne Elliott, Brian Holmshaw, Janet Ridler and Richard Williams…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

Planning permission was granted for the demolition and replacement office scheme, with the reasons set out in the submitted reports and an added terrace-screen condition.

“49b.11 RESOLVED:- That an application for approval of planning permission be GRANTED, for the reasons set out in the report and the supplementary report, now submitted, for the demolition of existing buildings and erection of 6-storey office building (Use Class E) with ground floor commercial unit (flexible retail and/or other Use Class E), with associated cycle parking (Resubmission of 21/02206/FUL) (Application under Section 73 to vary condition number(s): 2.”

Minutes