A decision on whether a £54 million housing development planned for a former NHS site in Fulwood can go ahead has been delayed due to months of opposition, with residents raising concerns over the scale of the project and its environmental impact.

The proposal, submitted in November 2023 by Expresso properties, aims to demolish the 1950s office block on Old Fulwood Road and replace it with 15 houses, a seven-storey apartment building, and six apartments within the Old Fulwood House.

However, Sheffield City Council has since requested an extension until May 2025 to decide on the application.

As of March 2025, 166 objections have been made surrounding the plans for the site, which borders the Fulwood Conservation Area and overlooks Mayfield Valley.

One unnamed resident of Fulwood, said: “I’m not against apartments going up, but what I am against is the height of them.

“Building a monstrosity just outside the conservation area is just ridiculous.”

But another resident, Steven James, saw the plans as an improvement. He said: “It’s a bit of an eyesore currently.”

In response to the objections against the site, he said: “People are always against change… once it’s been here for a few years, people will be okay with it.”

Local councillor Andrew Sangar has backed objections, referring to the loss of up to 80 trees and raising doubts about the promised green spaces.

He said: “It is particularly disappointing to be losing a number of healthy trees.” Coun Sangar questioned whether proposed green walls would be effectively maintained.

In an online statement, referring to the buildings, the developers said: “They will nestle into the landscape.” They added that the development would enhance the area’s aesthetic while minimising environmental harm.

Their viability analysis estimates a £5.5 million profit on the project.

But residents remain divided, with one saying: “I don’t think it’s NIMBYism.

“I think what we are trying to do is protect the environment and the walk down the valley is beautiful.”