New Sheffield Park Hill flats refurb approved despite objections

The latest plans for the brutalist Sheffield city centre landmark include 125 flats and townhouses

The latest redevelopment phase of Sheffield's landmark brutalist Park Hill flats has been approved despite some residents' objections.

The new phase of refurbishment work on the 1960s building will see the creation of 125 flats and townhouses and two commercial units at the site.

The plans for Europe's largest listed building got 144 objections, with some green spaces to be used for parking.

The flats, known for their concrete "streets in the sky", opened in 1961.

They were originally built to replace slum clearance homes in Sheffield, but by the 1980s the site was being condemned as an eyesore, having become dilapidated and notorious for drugs and crime.

Work to renovate the flats started in 2008 and in 2013 was shortlisted for a RIBA Sterling Prize.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the latest scheme for the city centre Grade II*-listed site was approved by Sheffield City Council planners on Tuesday.

Developer Urban Splash plans to refurbish the block by Duke Street, close to the Manor GP Practice and Sheffield Trades and Labour Club.

The council said revised proposals would increase overall green space, with only one of two areas used for parking, and a fenced-off area near a garage turned into grassland.

Phase four of Park Hill's redevelopment includes new commercial space where The Link pub was once located

However, Dave Watkins, former chair of Park Hill residents' association, said while he wanted to see the estate developed well, he said this time there had been a lack of consultation with residents.

Mr Watkins added: "This compromise arrangement is really still not supported by the residents and we don't feel we were involved in that process at all.

"It seems like planning and Urban Splash have got together, we were not happy with that and we still aren't.

"We're still hopping mad about it, even though it looks like it's going to go through now."

Meanwhile, Green councillor Bernard Little said not enough had been done to promote active travel, and Park Hill's affordable homes were still beyond the reach of "gig economy" workers.

Labour ward councillor Laura Moynahan said she was "disappointed" about the loss of green spaces.

Urban Splash development manager, Steve Thomas, said the new design solution for the site included cycle storage, electric vehicle charging, a car club for short-term rentals and a new bus stop on Duke Street.

The company was "passionate" about the 20-year Park Hill flats project, he added.