Planning and Highways Committee today considered the next phase of Park Hill flats refurbishment (1). Green Party Councillors on the Committee argued that the development could be made more environmentally friendly and in light of the results of the Grenfell Inquiry, safer as well.
A Park Hill resident speaking at the meeting, while supportive of the scheme, expressed his disappointment with the lack of cycle storage and the lack of commitment from the developers Urban Splash to install solar panels on the roof.
There is a planning condition that 10% of the energy comes from renewable energy but the Council has not specified how this should be supplied.
Following the Planning and Highways Meeting, Councillors Elliot and Nottage commented on the application.
Gleadless Valley Councillor Marieanne Elliot said,
“It is disappointing that the installation of solar panels has not been included as part of this development. Installing solar panels on a flat roof will not require extensive scaffolding and as such should be a relatively easy and cost effective installation.
“I know that Park Hill flats is now a Grade 2 listed building but that should not be a reason not to install solar panels. St James’s Church in Piccadilly in London has solar panels (2) on the roof. It was designed by Sir Christophen Wren and is a Grade 1 listed building, but like Park Hill it has a significant flat roof where the solar panels will be impossible for anyone to see from ground level.”
Hillsborough Councillor Henry Nottage, who proposed fire safe battery storage lockers for the development, said
“It’s great to see the final phase of Park Hill going ahead. Park Hill is ideally placed for people wanting to live a lifestyle less dependent on private car ownership due to its proximity to the city centre and excellent public transport links.
“The provision of cycle storage, either in the communal cycle store, in flats or on the walkways is to be applauded, but does it really go far enough to ensure that the flats are ready for people’s active travel requirements?
“The advent of the electric bicycle has opened up cycling as a really viable alternative to car use. You can carry a significant amount of shopping, transport the children and arrive at work sweat free without a piece of lycra in sight.
“ Following the outcome of the Grenfell Inquiry we should seek to reduce and eliminate all fire risks, however small. Though the risk of electric bikes lithium batteries catching fire is relatively low, I strongly believe that the provision of fire-safe battery-charging lockers should be a feature of the refurbished units at Park Hill. This will ensure that people can make the most of the fantastic and improving active travel options in Sheffield without compromising the safety of themselves or their neighbours.”
The Committee placed a condition on the developers to produce a plan to provide safe storage of electric bikes and the charging of their batteries.
Councillor Marieanne Elliot also successfully proposed a directive requesting that that the developer work with the Council and the Police to address anti social behaviour in the area,
Councillor Elliot said
“Most evenings 20 to 30 cars congregate outside the flats, The vehicles’ occupants are known to engage in criminal activity which makes residents feel threatened. This is of a particular concern to women who are concerned for their safety. We want the developer to engage with the Council and the police to see how they can work together to address this problem. This could help make the area one where people can live comfortably and without fear and would be the actions of a responsible developer”
There was disappointment that no affordable housing would be provided as part of the Park Hill development for this application. The Council’s Local Plan did not specify the need for affordable housing in the Park Hill area.
Councillor Elliot said,
“Given the history of Park Hill, which was originally Council housing, it is disappointing not to see affordable housing being mandated as part of this phase of the development. There is a dire need for more affordable housing to rent across Sheffield. It was reassuring to hear the developer at the meeting commit to 20% affordable housing after all.
References*
- Park Hill Flats – Wikipedia Entry Park Hill, Sheffield – Wikipedia
- St James’s Church, Piccadilly Solar Installation Photovoltaic Systems at St James’s Church, Piccadilly (simondawson.com)
- Battery charging with fire suppression Buy A Lithium-Ion Battery Cabinet | 2 Door with FirePro® Suppression & Charging Points Online At Yellow Shield
