TESCO plans

The latest plans for Tesco's mixed-use development at the corner of Spital Hill and Savile Street have been submitted to the Council's planning board following amendments to their design. The proposals include a 10,000 square metre supermarket, four storey offices, a car park and several ‘neighbourhood retail units’. This will create an unbroken commercial development that will wrap around the old Hartwells site and up Spital Hill, finishing at a new public space below the East House pub. It is hoped the new store will provide several hundred new jobs with 200 of these earmarked for the long-term unemployed.

Tesco's architects have re-drafted their initial plans after officials expressed concern that the designs lacked integration with the existing buildings, particularly the historic Wicker Arches. Although many residents are in favour of the new store, objections have been raised against the planned closing-off of Carlisle Street which some residents have said will increase their journey times and effect local buses. Tesco believes this measure will improve access to the supermarket entrance. If the Council gives its approval, the store could open at the end of 2010.

Comments can be made on the proposals until 4th June, either by writing to: Development Services, Howden House, 1 Union Street, Sheffield, S1 2SH and quoting the reference number: 09/00523/FUL

or by going to the Council's website and submitting your comments online. The plans can be viewed at Burngreave Library and Howden House until 31st March 2009 or on the Council's planning website.