A former sheep shear factory is set to be turned into housing in Malin Bridge if planners give the green light.
Distinfields Properties Ltd has applied to Sheffield City Council to transform La Plata Works on Holme Lane into 43 new residential units including flats and houses.
The factory was first constructed in 1873 as the site of Burgon and Ball which at its peak produced 300,000 steel sheep shears per year.
Barry Woodhead, 65, of Coby Carpets, a shop opposite the factory, said: “I think that it is a good thing. The building has been vandalised by kids and has now become an eyesore.”
An assessment has deemed the site to possess ‘intrinsic regional significance’ however it has been underused for several years and has been subject to graffiti and had several windows smashed, according to planning documents.
The submitted proposal includes the demolition of the existing portal framed building, built in the late 20th century, which will be replaced by a new building providing 17 apartments.
Other buildings on the site are set to remain and will provide 26 additional residential units, consisting of 12 houses and 14 apartments.
The application also contains provisions for 21 car parking spaces and 40 cycle parking spaces.
A design and access statement, submitted with the application, said: “It is highly unlikely that the proposed development will have any impact upon the amenities of the existing residents in the locality and the surrounding businesses.”
However, there have been objections to the plans by some residents who have raised concerns, primarily about the potential impact of additional traffic on Holme Lane.
Tina Heathcote, 49, from nearby Stannington, said: “My concern is the sheer amount of traffic. It’s busy around that area anyway.
“There’s always a queue onto Rivelin and all the way round the one-way system which is supposed to be two lanes but invariably goes down to one due to people parking on the right outside Malin pub.
“The proposal states that there will be 43 properties but just 21 parking spaces. Where will the rest of the cars go? Probably onto the already busy road adding to the shocking queues.”
Residents who have concerns about the proposed development can object to the plans through the Sheffield City Council website.
