A Yorkshire Bank redevelopment was thrown out amidst “detrimental” safety concerns from Sheffield City Council. 

The proposal to turn the former Yorkshire Bank building into affordable housing in Chapeltown was refused by the Highways and Plannings Committee on Tuesday.

The committee visited the site and conducted an evaluation on Monday.

Four reasons for refusal were put forward, mainly concerning safety and insufficient information. 

Cllr Helen Johnson said: “We are not going to make decisions unless we have the information that it is the right decision.” 

Sitting on Lound Side, behind Chapeltown station, the bank has been closed since August 2020, with plans to transform the site into 25 new apartments with parking and a community garden. 

Some residents have expressed their support for redevelopment, with two letters of support and a letter of neutrality being submitted to the Council. 

Cllr Dianne Hurst agreed: “The right building could lift up the area.”

However, residents’ support is not unanimous, with some raising concerns about the design and size of the building, as well as the impact it would have on pedestrian safety. 

These concerns were supported by Cllr Johnson, who said it could be “potentially detrimental in terms of safety.”

The plans state there is only one point of access in and out of the building, as well as problematically high sight lines next to a bus stop. 

Cllr Andrew Burton stated: “The level of harm significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

The proposal was met with a majority refusal.