We’re delighted to learn that the application to demolish the historic Freehold Land Society “garden house” at 29 Highton Street, Walkley has been refused. Even more importantly, the decision explicitly recognises its heritage value and that is given as one of the reasons for refusal. Read the decision notice for full details.
There were 23 objections to this scheme, many of them from HHB members. Thank you very much for your support – it is much needed in making a persuasive case for heritage and getting the attention of the Council.
Now we hold our breath. As we said in our previous article, the developer already has permission to demolish the historic building and replace it with three houses. We hope that by stopping a gross overdevelopment of nine apartments we can prompt a re-think, but we will have to wait and see.
Update: We had hoped that perhaps the refusal of the 9 apartments might prompt a re-think, but it now appears that the developer intends to proceed with the previously-approved scheme for 3 houses and that 29 Highton Street will be lost despite all our efforts. We’re still very grateful to people who submitted objections and helped raise awareness of this important part of Sheffield’s history.
Re 29 Highton St
I believe that the demolition of the said building has now been approved and the building of 3 four bedroomed houses will be constructed according to Sheffield planning.Please make this knowledgeable
Thanks for your comment, Graham. Yes, as mentioned in the item there was already permission for demolition of 29 Highton Street and for 3 houses to be built on the site, and that approval still stands – it is not affected by the more recent decision. The developer has recently now had most of the conditions that were placed on that development approved.
We had hoped that perhaps the refusal of the 9 apartments might prompt a rethink, but it now appears that the developer intends to proceed with the previous scheme and that 29 Highton Street will be lost despite all our efforts. We’re still very grateful to people who submitted objections and helped raise awareness of this important part of Sheffield’s history.
Unfortunately the builder has started to demolish this property.
The council for some reason had allowed this. The building could have been renovated but they deliberately caused damage to prevent this.
Apparently because it wasn’t listed this is allowed.
Has for What will occupy theatre is a guessing game as I’ve not seen any plans to comment on.
Thanks for the update, Deborah. That is sad news. The developer already had permission from about 3 years ago to demolish the building and build 3 houses, but when the new scheme for 9 apartments came in we hoped that meant that the 3 house scheme was being abandoned. As it turns out, unfortunately not.
Morning – I live 3 doors up and active demolition started today 6/10.
Thanks for the update, Liz. Very sad. Let’s hope it proceeds without excessive disruption.