Planning submission for key site on London Road

9th March 2021

Self has recently submitted a planning application for a residential development on London Road on behalf of the site owners. London Road is a key route into the city centre from Derbyshire and the south-west of Sheffield.

Sheffield has seen enormous inward investment and regeneration in the last few years which has led to a raft of new residential property developments. Sheffield is also amongst the fastest growing cities in the country, the current population is growing rapidly, which will likely impact on future demand for accommodation.

This application covers two linked proposals, controlled by the same land owner, known respectively as London Road Development and Broom Close Retrofit. These two, connected schemes involve firstly, the demolition of the existing 3-storey offices on London Road, replacing it with a new build mixed-use scheme (Retail and Residential); and secondly the refurbishment and extension to the existing office building on Broom Close to create self-storage units at lower levels and residential apartments at the upper levels all with associated landscaping works.

Part of the new build development is on the site of the former Tramways Public House, a distinctive street-corner pub close to Bramall Lane football ground, that was demolished in 2015.

The land owner has identified a growing need for self-storage units in this area of the city that will support the local economy and also provides a use for, what is currently, an under-used building.

Self Director of Architecture Mark Barker said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to provide a contemporary scheme in a thriving area of the city. Our approach, responding to the prominent location, is to create a new, landmark, mixed-use building at a key point along London Road, as all agreed the site requires a strong response in terms of townscape.”

“We have taken a bold approach which takes on board the Pre-App advice given by the Sheffield City Council planning department and local policies, whilst respecting the local context, the existing building group and our close proximity to buildings of significance.”

A key aspiration for the appearance of the new London Road development is to create a visually striking building, which is externally rich in terms of cladding treatment, fenestration and balconies, whilst at the same time provides a calm and peaceful internal environment for residents.

The building is split approximately 2/3^rd of the way along the London Road façade; this aims to accentuate the verticality of the block and helps to ‘ground’ the building - especially the ‘Tramways’ corner.

Throughout the development, there will be an emphasis on quality in material selection and standard of finish. A limited material palette used across the site will give a cohesive feel, creating a strong sense of place.