Mixed-use building redevelopment at Former John Lewis Building, Sheffield

What was proposed

The application proposed redeveloping the former department store into flexible commercial, cultural and leisure uses, with façade, access, landscaping, parking and infrastructure works.

“Proposal Redevelopment and change of use to create a mixed- use development comprising Use Class E, F1, F2 and/or Sui Generis, together with reconfigured facades, entrances and access, associated landscaping, parking, and infrastructure works (Amended Plans)”

Officer report

The site and building

The building occupies an urban block, has been vacant since 2021, is Grade II listed and lies within the City Centre Conservation Area.

“The site is allocated within the Central Shopping Area as defined in the adopted Sheffield Unitary Development Plan, with the emerging Local Plan allocating the site as within the Primary Shopping Area with the City Centre Flexible Use Zone running along the northern boundary of the site.”

“The site and surrounding area fall within the City Centre Conservation Area. The most notable Listed Buildings are The City Hall (Grade II*) to the north of the site on the opposite side of Barkers Pool (which also contains Sheffield War Memorial), Leahs Yard (Grade II*) to the west of the site on the opposite side of Cambridge Street, and the Citadel (Grade II) located on the corner of Burgess Street and Cross Burgess Street to the south east of the building.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and history

The department store and car park were permitted in 1961, while later permissions covered a roof garden, footbridge, access works, advertisements and building alterations.

“Application No. 61/00002/FUL, planning permission was originally granted in 1961 for the erection of a department store and car park. This was built out and opened in 1963.”

“Application No’s 79/04039/FUL and 96/04043/FUL, planning permission granted for the retention of a roof garden in 1979 and 1996.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the flexible reuse, reduced parking, sustainability measures and regeneration benefits outweighed less than substantial heritage harm.

“With regard to the design and impact on heritage assets, the building is Grade II Listed, within the City Centre Conservation Area, and within the settings of other Grade II and II* Listed Buildings. The amended proposals show a well considered scheme, which seeks to repair and renovate the building, bring it back into use after being empty for 5 years.”

“For part i) the proposals affect a Grade II Listed building in a Conservation Area surrounding by other Listed Buildings. In this instance, the original proposals were felt to cause harm to the listed building, however the amended scheme resolves these issues, and is now considered to have less than substantial harm which is outweighed by the significant regeneration benefits of the scheme.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

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

What members discussed

Members discussed recording the lost glass mosaic panels and the number of disabled parking spaces available to the public.

“117a.6 A discussion took place regarding the loss of the glass mosaic panels and it was moved by Councillor Mike Chaplin and seconded by Laura Moynahan that a condition requiring archaeological recording be included. The final wording to be approved by the Co-Chairs. The motion was passed by a show of hands.”

“117a.7 A discussion also took place regarding the number of disabled parking spaces and the need for the city to remain accessible to those with mobility issues. Councillor Nottage proposed the increase of disabled parking spaces by 2 for the public parking. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Mike Chaplin. Following advice from the Legal Officer on whether the proposal would meet the 6 tests, the proposal was withdrawn.”

Minutes

The committee votes

The committee passed motions on archaeological recording and investigating disabled parking through a directive and the Parking Management Strategy.

“117a.8 Councillor Marieanne Elliot then proposed that the issue of disabled parking should be investigated via a directive and the Parking Management Strategy, the final wording to be approved by the Co-Chairs. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Richard Williams and passed by a show of hands.”

Minutes

The final decision

Planning permission was granted conditionally for the mixed-use redevelopment, including the amended and additional condition and directive.

“117a.9 RESOLVED:- That an application for approval of planning permission be GRANTED, conditionally, for the reasons set out in the report and supplementary report and including the amended and additional condition and directive, for the redevelopment and change of use to create a mixed use development comprising Use Class E, F1, F2 and/or Sui Generis, together with reconfigured facades, entrances and access, associated landscaping, parking, and infrastructure works (Amended…”

Minutes