Sharrow Nether Edge Broomhill Area Panel Minutes 6th November 2003

 

            Further to the response provided to the question relating to the involvement of officers in the Urban Design and Conservation Team in connection with the implementation of highway improvements in Conservation Areas, a member of the public indicated that officers of that Team should give thorough consideration to such proposals as a matter of course.  He also emphasised the need for the implementation of pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction of Somerfield Street and Ecclesall Road and the need for the Council to re-assess, as a matter of urgency, the existing pedestrian crossing facilities at this junction.  The resident also referred to the proposals by the developer of the former Wards Brewery site to retain the existing culverted section of a stretch of the River Porter as part of further development on the site, and stressed that the Council needed to give serious consideration to this proposal, as deculverting could create an important, visual amenity for local residents.

            A local resident expressed his appreciation of the work undertaken by the Council to control the problems of illegal fly posting in the area, which had resulted in a significant drop in the number of posters.  He stressed however that the Council should not be complacent and continue the work in both removing the posters and pursuing the prosecutions against perpetrators.

            The Area Panel noted the contents of the report now submitted, together with the comments now made.

 

Members of the public asked questions and Members of the Panel and officers provided the following responses:-

 

Q.        Had there been any progress with regard to the proposed implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders relating to the provision of double yellow lines on parts of Cemetery Road, which would stop double parking and relieve congestion?

 

R.        There were proposals to implement Traffic Regulation Orders regarding the provision of double-yellow lines on parts of Cemetery Road, but it was not known whether they had been advertised.  This would be investigated and the Area Co-ordinator would report back to a future meeting of the Panel.

 

Q.        It was understood that a Council Service had applied for planning permission for the development of six flats on a central area of land within the proposed Broomhall Cosmopolitan Scheme.  Was this the case and if so, would this type of development fit in to the Scheme?

 

R.        An application for planning permission had been submitted by the Council's Property Services Division, and would be determined in the same manner as any other application.  Representations had been made by Development Services in the light of the proposed Cosmopolitan Scheme, and in the light of these representations, there was a possibility that this particular application could be withdrawn.  The Area Panel had received a detailed presentation on the proposals in respect of the Broomhall Cosmopolitan Scheme, and had offered support to the proposals.

 

Q.        Had the Council any plans to exert local limitations with regard to the use of fireworks, relating specifically to their size and times of use?

 

R.        The Area Co-ordinator would contact the relevant officer in Environment and Regulatory Services and report back to a future meeting of the Panel.

 

Q.        Were the results of the Traffic Impact Assessment Study undertaken in the area surrounding the residential development on the former Nether Edge Hospital site available to the public yet?  A local resident had been promised the results nearly a year ago and to date, had not received them - what was the reason for the delay?

 

R.        There had been unacceptable delays in producing the results of the Study, which had been due, in part, to the fact that a number of officers, including the Area Panel's Link Officer, in the Transportation Policy Unit, had left the Authority.  The Area Co-ordinator would raise this issue again with officers in the Transportation Policy Unit and report back to a future meeting of the Panel.

 

Q.        Could the Council look at the possibility of implementing a pedestrian crossing facility on Psalter Lane, particularly around the vicinity of the Southcroft Elderly Persons Flats? There were problems with regard to crossing Psalter Lane, particularly for those residents of the Elderly Persons Flats.  Cars travelled very fast along the road, there were large pot holes in the road which made it particularly difficult at night and the bus stops regarding services going into the City Centre were not evenly spaced. 

 

R.        The Area Co-ordinator would refer this matter to Highways Management Services and provide a response at the next meeting of the Panel.

 

Q.        Could the Council remove the posters and carry out general cleaning works in the underpass under St. Mary's Gate, including the surrounding area?  The trees had been vandalised and were blocking the paths, causing particular problems for wheelchair users.  Some of the posters on the walls were dating back several months and the underpass smelt very unpleasant.

 

R.        This matter would be investigated and the Area Co-ordinator would report back to a future meeting of the Panel.

 

            The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd October, 2003, were approved as a correct record, with the exception of Item 5 - A Vision for Broomhill (Houses in Multiple Occupation), by the substitution of the words "six or less" for the words "seven or more" in the second paragraph of that sub-heading.

 

            Susan Crowley, Development Services, reported on the proposed development on the former T.C. Harrison site, London Road.

            Ms. Crowley stated that the development, which was based around two courtyards, comprised 863 beds, including 25 one-bedroomed studios, for students, seven new retail units and 44 car parking spaces.  There would be four primary facades to the development, on London Road, Denby Street, Boston Street and Arley Street.  A number of major improvements had been made to the original scheme and it was hoped that the development would act as a catalyst for other major development schemes in the area.  It was believed that, subject to the outstanding planning issues being resolved, the application for planning permission for the development would be considered at the next meeting of the South Planning and Highways Area Board.

            Helen Johnson, Highways Management Services, reported on the traffic management proposals in the area surrounding the development site, indicating that the main concerns of a development of this size centred around car parking.  Ms. Johnson stated that there were major problems with regard to on-street car parking in the surrounding area and in an attempt to tackle this particular issue, it had been proposed to introduce time-limited car parking and pay and display spaces.  It was considered that the 44 car parking spaces provided as part of the scheme would be sufficient, based on the low levels of car ownership by students and that the fact that the development was only a few minutes walk from the City Centre, and approximately 15 minutes walk from Midland Station and the Central Interchange.

            It was also the intention, by implementing a number of Traffic Regulation Orders, to stop problems of rat running in the area, as many drivers cut through from London Road, on to Boston Street, Arley Street, Sheldon Street and on to Bramall Lane.  It was the intention to make Sheldon Street one-way to vehicular traffic from Bramall Lane.  Ms. Johnson added that there were also plans to improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, with a number of cycle paths being constructed and the pavements in the surrounding area would be resurfaced and widened, where necessary.

            The following questions were asked and responses given:-

 

Q.        Had consideration been given to including some form of provision for young people, either as part of the development or in the surrounding area?

 

R.        It was likely that the Council would secure a Section 106 Agreement with the developers, which would result in planning gain monies being available which would be aimed at the provision/enhancement of informal open space within the catchment area of the site.  Any proposals with regard to the allocation of the planning gain monies would be determined following consultation with the Area Panel.

 

Q.        What assurances were there that the paths in the surrounding area would be improved?

 

R.        The improvements to the paths in the surrounding area will be a condition of the planning permission.  The improvements to the paths would form part of a larger package of general highway improvements in the surrounding area, which would also include improvements to the street furniture and the provision of landscaping.

 

Q.        Why was the Council intent on granting permission for this development when it was obvious that it would result in an increase in cars in an area where there were already problems with on-street car parking?

 

R.        From the research undertaken by Planning Officers, it was considered that a low percentage of the students living in the flats would own cars, and therefore, the increase in the number of cars, and the consequent demand for on-street car parking, would not be too great.

 

Q.        Did officers feel the development was too large in terms of its mass and did they think it would be more suitable for the buildings to be divided?

 

R.        The design of the building was such that it would not be possible to see the whole of the development from any one point on any of the four bordering streets.

 

Q.        Had any public toilet facilities been incorporated into the development?

 

R.        No.

 

Q.        What research had been undertaken in respect of the car ownership of the students who would be living in the flats?

 

R.        Information had been obtained from the two Universities, which had indicated that whilst a higher percentage of students at Hallam University owned cars, only 7.5% of students from the University of Sheffield had access to a car.  Whilst there were only 44 car parking spaces provided on the site as part of the development, it was considered that with the development being only a few minutes from the City Centre, approximately 15 minutes from the Midland Station and on the basis that there were good transport links near the development, there would be a low demand on car usage.

 

Q.        Whilst there was a need for regeneration in the area, had the Council given consideration to the potential future use of the development if the demand for student accommodation was to fall in the future?

 

R.        Yes, the flats could be used for sale as residential properties if this was the case.

 

Q.        Had any consideration been given to potential problems with regard to the safety of the students in using the underpasses in the area?

 

R.        This issue had been considered and improvements would be made to the safety of the underpasses and the surrounding area, which would include the provision of additional lighting. 

 

            In addition to the questions, the following comments were made:-

 

·                    As well as the number of car parking spaces being far too low for the potential number of students living in the accommodation, it was likely that the students would receive many visitors, which would cause additional problems of on-street car parking.  There would also be problems with car parking on the grounds that there was no direct bus route from the flats to the University of Sheffield, which may result in those students attending that University having to travel by car.

 

·                    The development was too large for the proposed location.

 

·                    The problems of car parking could be made worse if there were any more similar developments in the area in the future.  Sheffield Hallam University did not support the development and was of the opinion that it was an over- development in this area.  If planning permission was granted for the development, the University would have nothing to do with referring students to the flats.  The University had a commitment to supporting local communities and feels that this development would have an adverse effect on the local community.

 

RESOLVED: That (a) the information now reported, together with the comments now made, be noted; and

            (b) the thanks of the Panel be conveyed to Susan Crowley and Helen Johnson for the presentation now made.

 

            Nick Sellwood, Parks, Woodlands and Countryside, gave a presentation on the proposals in respect of the production of a Draft Management Plan of the Woodlands of the Porter Valley.

            Mr. Sellwood reported that the Porter Valley was a three-mile long stretch of green open space, linking the inner suburbs of Sheffield to the countryside.  A series of public footpaths, bridleways and cycle-ways followed the river from Hunter's Bar to Fulwood Head.  Other features of the Valley included the remains of water-powered industry in the form of six mill ponds and goits that once provided water to drive grindstones, forge hammers and wire mills, with evidence of medieval and early field patterns and a wealth of natural history present in the Valley at all times of the year.  There were several areas of ancient woodland in the Valley, which comprised woodland which had been present since 1600 AD, as well as a number of some older and larger trees that provided habitats for species such as bats, hole-nesting birds, fungi, lichens and mosses.

            Mr. Sellwood made reference to the works, both undertaken and planned, for the woodlands in the Valley, which included restoration works to a number of the major paths and plans to introduce active management with regard to the felling of trees and thinning works to trees in order to allow sunlight onto the floor to encourage plants and grass to grow.  There were also proposals to increase publicity material with regard to the history of the woodlands in an attempt to encourage more people to visit the woodlands in the Valley.

            The following questions were asked and responses given:-

 

Q.        Was it the intention to allow the woodlands to develop naturally or to plant new species of trees?

 

R.        In general, natural regeneration of trees would be encouraged rather than planting, particularly in the ancient woodlands.  However, in the planted woodland areas, such as Whiteley Woods, some planting may be required to maintain their current landscape character.

 

Q.        Notre Dame School wished to cut down and undertake thinning works to a number of trees within the school grounds - what was the process for obtaining permission to undertake such works?

 

R.        All tree felling requires the permission of the Forestry Commission, the Government’s advisors on trees and woodlands, except in the case of dead or otherwise dangerous trees, and a few other minor exceptions.  The Council was in the process of applying for permission from the Forestry Commission to undertake thinning works as part of the active-management proposals referred to above.  With regard to Notre Dame School, the woodland within the school grounds would be subject to the Council’s Conservation Area legislation.  The school would still have to apply for permission from the Forestry Commission, and as part of this process, the Local Planning Authority would automatically be consulted.  If the proposed works were approved by the Forestry Commission, the Local Planning Authority would most likely be assured that the works would not have an adverse effect on the character of the Conservation Area. 

 

Q.        How many visitors to the Porter Valley travel from inner-City areas?

 

R.        A recent survey undertaken by the Friends of the Porter Valley had shown that visitors to the Valley had come from areas such as Sharrow, Broomhill, Broomhall, Nether Edge and Ecclesall, and that 7% of visitors were from black and ethnic minority communities.  It was accepted that there was a need to encourage more people from inner-City areas to visit the woodlands in the Porter Valley.

 

Q.        Had the Council any concerns of potential damage being caused to the woodlands, particularly the ancient woodlands, by increasing numbers of visitors and their dogs?

 

R.        An increase in the number of visitors to the woodlands was not considered a major problem as the majority of visitors used the main paths, therefore those areas of woodlands away from the paths were rarely damaged.  There was a problem however with damage to the main paths.  Dogs were rarely seen as a threat to the woodlands.

 

Q.        The problems caused by dead trees in the dam at Endcliffe Park had been reported to the Council some time ago - were there any plans to remove the trees which had an adverse effect on the appearance of the area?

 

R.        This would be investigated.

 

RESOLVED: That (a) the information now reported, together with the comments now made, be noted; and

            (b) the thanks of the Panel be conveyed to Nick Sellwood for the presentation now made.

 

            Henk Littlewood, Ranger Service, Parks, Woodlands and Countryside, reported on the work being undertaken by himself and three other Rangers, as part of the Greenwatch Project.

            Mr. Littlewood stated that under the Project, the Rangers worked with young people, including young offenders and disaffected youths, in clearing and tidying up open space areas.  He indicated that work undertaken in the Panel's area included working with Surestart in connection with the clearing up of the site and the provision of new benches at Langdon Street gardens and undertaking regular visits to the General Cemetery, to assist the Friends of the General Cemetery in clearing up discarded needles, litter, dog mess and generally tidying up the grounds.  The Rangers also worked with young offenders undertaking community service work, which included more heavy duty work, such as dry stone walling and hedge laying.

            Mr. Littlewood reported on the proposals with regard to clearing up the open space area in between Pembroke Street, Montague Street and Cemetery Road, indicating that there had been a general agreement between Council officers, local residents, the landlord of the Vine Public House and the owner of Chapel Motors, to clear up the area and introduce measures to prevent cars parking on the grassed area in the future.  The Ranger Service were also assisting the Friends of Lynwood, Broomhill, to re-lay a damaged wall, undertake works to a number of trees and establish a meadow on the site. 

            Keith Missen, Development Services, added that officers were looking at potential future uses of the land, which had included a play area, a small park or the provision of some type of facility for teenagers.  He stated however that external funding would be required if any development was to take place since only a small amount of Section 106 funding was available for the sites.  The support of local residents would be very helpful if the maximum potential of the site was to be developed.  There was a possibility that any proposals would be reported to a future meeting of the Area Panel for consultation. 

RESOLVED: That (a) the information now reported, together with the comments now made, be noted; and

            (b) the thanks of the Area Panel be conveyed to Henk Littlewood for the presentation now made.

 

            The Panel noted that there were no outstanding reports required for submission to future meetings.

 

            It was noted that (a) the Area Panel Roadshow would be held on Thursday, 4th December, 2003, from 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the Reception Rooms, Town Hall, and (b) the next Area Panel meeting would be held on Thursday, 8th January, 2004, from 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m., at Sharrow Community Hall, John Street.