Demolition plans for Old Coroner’s Court dropped

City Ward Green councillors have welcomed the formal withdrawal of demolition plans for the Old Coroner’s Court on Nursery St.

Cllr Douglas Johnson commented,

“I am very pleased the Demolition Notice has been withdrawn and I hope we see some sensitive and appropriate designs coming forward in due course.”

“I have had some positive conversations with the developer and I am pleased he is interested in the views of planning officers and local people with knowledge of the area. I have encouraged him to engage in pre-planning advice from officers.”

“The Old Coroner’s Court is an attractive building with an interesting history that should not be lost. I would like to thank Sheffield’s heritage experts who have helped with their detailed knowledge of issues around conservation and the history of the building.”

“However, whilst the developer has withdrawn the immediate threat, we are waiting to see how the Council responds to our request for an “Article 4 Direction” to protect the whole of the proposed Castlegate conservation area.”

Fellow City Ward Councillor, Martin Phipps added,

“Together with Aizlewood’s Mill and the church, the Old Coroner’s Court contributes to a relaxing and peaceful setting for users of the Nursery St pocket park.”

Notes

1. The Demolition Notice submitted by Firestone Developments under planning ref 18/02800/DPN was withdrawn on 13th August 2018.
2. No planning application has yet been submitted. A previous application, which was granted in 2015 and would have retained at least part of the building, has now expired.
3. Sheffield Greens call for an Article 4 Direction is at https://sheffieldgreenparty.org.uk/2018/08/12/protection-for-castlegate/
4. The Victorian Society has stated “This building, though unlisted, is of considerable historic importance in this city. It was built in 1913 to the designs of the first city architect, F E P Philips, and was state-of-the-art at that time. Bomb damage led to internal remodelling in the 1950s but it remains an important structure, close to two listed buildings and contributing significantly to the environment of the area.”