Design and Access Statement

Residential Development at Osborn Works Rutland Road

on behalf of

Project ref: 11557 April 2021

Self Architects

24a St Andrews Road Sheffield S11 9AL

T: 0114 258 8125 W: www.selfarchitects.co.uk

Design and Access Statement

CONTENTS

1 Introduction ...... 2

2 Existing Building and Local Context . . . . . 4

3 Pre-Application Advice ...... 13

4 Use ...... 16

5 Amount ...... 17

6 Layout ...... 18

7 Scale ...... 20

8 Appearance ...... 21

9 Heritage Statement ...... 22

10 Access ...... 25

11 Supporting Information ...... 26

12 Conclusion ...... 27

Appendices: Appendix 1: List of drawings for submission Appendix 2: Site Photographs 1 – 6

Revision History

REV DATE INITIALS DETAILS V1 2 April 2021 MAB First Issue - DRAFT V2 9 April 2021 MAB Minor amendments V3 21 April 2021 MAB Final amendments prior to submission

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Design and Access Statement

1 Introduction

This Design and Access Statement accompanies the full Planning Application being made to Sheffield City Council for “Conversion of the upper level of the building (Osborn Works) to residential accommodation” on behalf of Drop Dead Limited.

The purpose of the document is to explain the design thinking behind the planning application. It set outs the main design issues, challenges and responses associated with the scheme to be submitted for conversion of the upper level of the building to residential accommodation for occupation by Ian and Carol Sykes and also, in a separate apartment, their son Oliver Sykes along with his partner.

It includes a written description and justification behind the planning application and it also includes photos, illustrations, maps and drawings to further illustrate the points made.

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Design and Access Statement

2. Existing Building and Local Context

2.1 Context

The Osborn Works building is located in the area of Sheffield in a riverside position along the River Don. Neepsend is an ancient suburb of the city of Sheffield, it stands just 1.6 km north-west of the city centre. The area covers the flood plain of the River Don from Lady's Bridge at the Wicker up to Hillfoot Bridge and falls within the Central Ward of the City.

The origin of the word Neepsend is believed to come from the Old Norse language, with the word "nypr" meaning a peak, the "end" part was added as Neepsend lies in the Don valley at the termination of a high ridge which descends from Shirecliffe and over Parkwood.

Although there is little evidence of ancient settlement in Neepsend, the discovery of a Late Bronze Age socketed axehead, found in 1921 close to Hillfoot Bridge, suggests ancient human activity in the area. Scandinavian settlers arrived in the 10th century, clearing the woodland and turning the valley floor by the River Don into fields and meadows. The wood was further cleared between the early 17th century and the mid-19th century for timber and by charcoal burners.

The 18th century brought the first industrial development for the area, the 1853 Ordnance Survey map showing the Neepsend Tavern and a brewery on Rutland Road. The adjacent Kelham Island district was one of Sheffield’s most important early industrial areas; it now houses the Kelham Island Museum. With a population explosion in Sheffield, Neepsend was radically changed in the second half of the 19th century.

19th century image of

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Design and Access Statement

The Neepsend Rolling Mills were established in 1876, just downstream from Neepsend Bridge, and produced crucible steel for the cutlery industry. After being demolished, it was the subject of an archaeological dig in 2003 before apartments were built on the site. Other industrial heritage buildings in the area are the and Cornish Place, which have been converted into offices and apartments respectively while the have recently been redeveloped by CiTU for residential and commercial use. Neepsend was designated as an area for industry after World War Two by Sheffield City Council, and its resident population greatly reduced.

Neepsend formerly had many public houses, but the Gardeners Rest and the Forest are the only ones remaining in the main part of Neepsend. The Kelham Island area, which is being regenerated to a fashionable residential district, has The Harlequin, The Riverside, The Fat Cat, The Kelham Island Tavern and The Milestone as pubs. Aizlewood's Mill is a grade two listed building and is a former six-storey flour mill built in 1861 and it is on Nursery Street, close to the city centre. The derelict building was restored and opened as a business centre in 1990.

Neepsend – 1960’s

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Design and Access Statement

2.2 Changing times: Residential-Industrial

Historical images of the surrounding area indicate that residential displacement occurred a long time before the recent regeneration of the area. Most historic, residential buildings were cleared for industrial use, starting from the latter part of the 19th century through to the post- war period. Further to the west, the residential clearance was even more pronounced. Densely- packed Victorian street patterns of terraced houses were replaced by new industrial works of varying scale as housing settlement moved further away from the city. This accelerated after WW2 when bomb-damaged streets were demolished and “slum” housing was cleared.

Burton Road - 1965

Weston Street showing the old Bathfield Hotel awaiting demolition - 1964

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Design and Access Statement

The works buildings which gradually replaced the terraced houses were often of high-quality, reflecting the wealth and status of their patrons. During the 1980’s and 1990’s a pattern of massive industrial decline across the entirety of Neepsend and Kelham Island occurred, which led to many of its industrial buildings being abandoned. In some case new uses followed, but often these building were left deserted for several years.

Examples of this are numerous as can be seen below:

Cornish Place Cornish Place is a listed building, that was formerly the factory of James Dixon & Sons, a Britannia metal, Sheffield plate and Cutlery manufacturer. Dixon & Smith was founded in 1805, based on Silver Street in the centre of Sheffield. In 1822 Dixon set up business on his own and the existing rolling mill was converted into a workshop for the manufacture of silver and plated goods. The first phase of the works were a U-shaped series of buildings which fronted onto Cornish Street and the River Don and consisted of workshops, casting shops and offices.

The works were extended as the firm became more successful with the more notable part of the building, the east range, being built between 1851 and 1854. Further building took place between 1857-59 when warehouses and a showroom were added at the southern end of Ball Street. The west range was constructed around 1860 on Green Lane with a more decorative architectural treatment. By the 1860s the works covered an area of about four acres and over 700 people were employed there.

The firm reached its peak in 1914, selling goods throughout America and the Empire. At that time up to 1000 people were employed at the works. During World War One there was a reduction in demand for luxury goods which hit the firm badly and from which they would never recover. Competition from Japan also had an impact, by the 1970s the firm was making regular annual losses and by 1982 had virtually collapsed with debts of over £1,000,000. At that time there were only 57 employees and parts of Cornish Place were let out to other businesses. Production continued at Cornish Place until 1992 when the building closed.

This magnificent building was abandoned in 1992 after decades of underutilisation and redeveloped into apartments in the late 1990s. It is widely regarded as the most impressive cutlery works still standing in Sheffield and rivals the cotton mills of Lancashire and the West Riding in terms of architectural quality and heritage. The most impressive parts of the building are the east and west ranges which have Grade II* listed status while the rest of the works have the lower Grade II rating.

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Design and Access Statement

The "Cornish" in the buildings name is thought to derive from the manufacture of Britannia metal which is made up of 93% tin which came from Cornwall.

Globe Works The Globe Works are a former cutlery factory situated in Kelham Island. Globe Works dates back to 1824 and holds the title of being one of the world’s first, large-scale, specialist steel manufacturing centres. The Grade II* Listed Building was restored in the late 1980’s into a business centre. Internally, the property is well maintained and has an excellent mix of private and open plan offices throughout to provide ideal business centre accommodation.

Brooklyn Works were constructed in the mid-19th century for the firm of Alfred Beckett, a manufacturer of steel, saws and files. The building was seriously damaged in March 1864 when the Great Sheffield Flood surged down the Don valley.

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Design and Access Statement

Alfred Beckett & Sons Ltd continued to manufacture at the Brooklyn Works until the mid-1960s using the “Matchless” trademark. In 1967 Alfred Beckett & Sons was purchased by the Tempered Spring Company Ltd of Sheffield. The building stood empty for a period of time and was declared a listed building in November 1985 to protect it from demolition. In the 1990’s the Sheffield-based firm of AXIS Architecture turned the disused works into residential apartments and offices for small businesses. Among the small businesses now using the Brooklyn Works are a PR agency, a firm of solicitors and a web design company.

Green Lane Works The original Green Lane Works were established in 1795 by the firm of Hoole and Company. The firm flourished and their products won a medal at The Great Exhibition of 1851. This success brought considerable prestige to the firm and its proprietor. In 1859 Hoole himself was elected Lord Mayor of Sheffield and to celebrate this he had major alterations carried out to the works.

The most important part of the 1860 rebuilding was the construction of the decorative entrance arch on Green Lane. It is thought that the sculptor Alfred Stevens designed the gatehouse and may have been responsible for the relief sculptured decoration. The Gateway is constructed of ashlar, stucco and brick and takes the form of a tripartite triumphal arch with a carving of a female head on the keystone above the main (central) arch. The gateway is topped off by a cupola with clock and weather vane.

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Design and Access Statement

The works were considerably damaged in the Great Sheffield Flood of March 1864. In April 1948 the works were purchased by W.A. Tyzack, producer of agricultural tools and parts for farm machinery. In late 2009, the works were disused with a long-term future uncertain.

The gateway was partly boarded up to protect it from vandalism. In 2013, the works were added to the Heritage at Risk Register, but in 2015, removed from the register following repairs. As of 2018, it has been converted in four commercial spaces as part of the Little Kelham development. The Stew & Oyster Bar is located adjacent to the gateway.

According to the Shalesmoor, Kelham Island, and Neepsend Network, the population of this whole area has increased tenfold since 2009. The only nearby residential units that existed prior to the current redevelopment are social housing on Shalesmoor (most likely this been there since the 1940’s), and 1950’s suburban houses located further up Rutland Road away from the centre of Kelham Island.

The main thoroughfares running through the region, i.e. Alma Street, Neepsend Lane and Penistone Road, are densely-packed with industrial buildings. Residential developments exist in small pockets closer to Kelham Island itself, but the vast majority of the region remains industrial in nature.

Kelham Island was mostly derelict and underutilised before all these new developments appeared. Rather than closing down industrial companies, these new developments seem to have been built on derelict spaces.

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Design and Access Statement

The recently completed Kelham Works building next to Kelham Island Tavern has been built over a factory that was abandoned around 2013. A new development, Dun Works is being built over the remains of factories that were derelict before 2008. Dun Works is home to 225 studio, one and two bedroom apartments available to rent. The newly complete Cornish Steelworks development has been built over factories that were abandoned sometime between 2008 and 2012.

The Neepsend and Kelham Island area has developed in a complex way over the last 250 years and it is clear that the fundamental character of the area will continue to be a mixture of some light industrial, residential and leisure uses, which gives a vibrant and active neighbourhood. Indeed, the Osborn Works building is itself a microcosm of this mixed-use model.

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Design and Access Statement

2.3 The Osborn Works

Osborn’s Insignia Works was designed by the well-known, local architect W J Hale. His known works include a number of Non-conformist churches, four board schools, industrial premises for Samuel Osborn & Co. and three houses.

Built during 1919-20 as the Spring Shop for Samuel Osborn & Co, the building is located on the bank of the River Don, it is the only known design by Hale for industrial premises. It is likely that he obtained the commission through his connections with the Osborn family, who were fellow Wesleyans. The Heart and Hand seen in the decorative plaques were used as trademarks by Osborn’s. Although the building is simple in design, the use of large segmental headed windows in bays defined by recessed panels and by a slight lowering of the line of the parapet takes it beyond the merely utilitarian and gives it a distinct character. It has been restored and converted to offices when it was given its present name.

It was refurbished in the 1990’s and renamed Insignia Works. In recent years the usage was changed to warehousing storage and offices. An application for building regulations approval was granted in May 2001 for the installation of a mezzanine floor structure to accommodate offices to the south side of the building facing Rutland Road.

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Design and Access Statement

2.4 Current Use

The building has a number of functions and the ground floor is shared between Church: Temple of Fun, a Vegetarian / Vegan Restaurant and bar and the warehouse space for Drop Dead Clothing Limited.

A small, first floor mezzanine serves Church and there are female toilets at first floor level which are accessed from within the bar area. The main first floor is given over to offices and studio space for Drop Dead Clothing.

The second floor is open plan storage space with access via a central staircase and a passenger lift. This will be the area converted to living accommodation.

The building has its south- east façade along Rutland Road, which provides the main entrance to Church: Temple of Fun. The whole of the north-eastern flank faces directly onto the River Don. The southwest façade faces Rutland Way and provides access to Drop Dead offices and also will provide the route in to serve the residential accommodation at second floor level.

The Drop Dead clothing company was founded in Sheffield in 2005 by Oliver Sykes. Oliver’s parents, Ian and Carol Sykes are Directors of the company. Drop Dead strives to create unique, high quality, limited menswear, womenswear and collectables, inspired by internet culture, life on the road and an ever-evolving taste in music and art.

The two new apartments are solely for occupation by the Directors of the company.

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Design and Access Statement

3. Pre-Application Advice

3.1 Pre-Application advice

Self Architects made a Pre-App submission to Sheffield City Council for “Conversion of the upper level of the building to residential accommodation”. This was submitted on 24 December 2020. The allocated reference number is 20/04634/PREAPP.

We received a response from the allocated planning officer – Sarah Hull on 12th February 2021. This reads as follows:

Thank you for your pre-application enquiry relating to alterations and a change of use to the upper level of the building to form residential accommodation.

Policy The site is located within a General Industry Area as defined by the adopted Sheffield Unitary Development Plan (UDP). Policy IB5 (Development in General Industry Areas) within the UDP lists a number of uses that are regarded as preferred, acceptable and unacceptable in such areas. Housing (C3) is identified as an unacceptable use. The site is located within the Upper Don Valley, where Core Strategy CS5 identifies the area as a key location for manufacturing, distribution/warehousing and non-office businesses. This is reinforced through Policy CS10 which states that “Employment uses will be maintained and promoted in the North Neepsend/Hillfoot Riverside and Wadsley Bridge areas…” However, the nature of this area is changing and so is our willingness to consider flexibility at this location, subject to compliance with other relevant criteria. Indeed the City Plan 2018 indicates that the site is a potential listed building housing site.

Design The building is grade II listed and therefore any alterations both internal and external must be sympathetic to its special character. It is not clear whether any external alterations are proposed to the building.

Planning permission was granted through application 12/02704/LBC for alterations including mezzanine floors to the southern half of the building. The officer report notes that the open plan nature of the building is part of its special character and that the subdivision and mezzanine floors would detract from this special character. Nevertheless the scheme kept a notable section of the shell open, including full height sections in order to ensure that the scale and space could still be appreciated.

The current plans will further segregate and partition the internal open space which is part of the special character of the listed building and as such strong concerns are raised about the impact of the proposal on the heritage assets special architectural interest. It would be useful to illustrate the proposed changes in the context of wider floor plans so that it can be assessed in light of previous changes. A section is also required as there are proposals for large roof terraces which could affect/remove the original roof structure.

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Design and Access Statement

Amenity UDP Policy IB9 requires that development should (a) Not lead to a concentration of uses which would prejudice the dominance of industry and business in the area or cause the loss if important industrial sites; and (b) Not cause residents or visitors in any hotel, hostel, residential institution or housing to suffer from unacceptable living conditions.

With this in mind I consider a noise survey should be undertaken in order to understand both the level/sources of noise in the area and whether adequate attenuation could be provided to the proposed residential development. This would enable us to assess in more detail whether adequate living conditions could be provided for future residents and whether complaints regarding noise would be likely from these residents, such that they could prejudice business/industry in the area.

The proposed development is affected by traffic noise, with the potential for noise from nearby commercial and industrial premises, as detailed previously a noise survey should be carried out. There are existing commercial activities in the building and we would need to be satisfied that the impact of these would not have a harmful impact on the proposed residential uses. Information should be provided on the nature of the use, hours of use, deliveries and any plant/equipment in operation.

The original windows would clearly need some improvement to mitigate environmental noise, presumably incorporating secondary glazing of some specification. This would need to be satisfactory in terms of the impact on the Listed Building. It is understand that as part of the previous application the ducted air heating/cooling/ventilation system installed to other floors was proposed to be extended to allow for a closed-window environment upstairs.

The surrounding area is of a general industrial/commercial nature with the potential for the introduction of new, noisy activities within premises with established industrial use rights. It is noted that a noise report was carried out in 2014 to support the previous application, however given the amount of time which has now lapsed a new or revised report should be submitted.

Light/Outlook It is not clear whether the studio would have adequate light/outlook. Further there would be unacceptable overlooking between the studio and bedroom one windows.

Flooding The site falls within flood zone 2 and has a medium probability of flooding. In accordance with National Planning Practice Guidance, residential uses are considered ‘more vulnerable’ and are acceptable in flood zone 2, subject to a robust Flood Risk Assessment. The proposal is for a change of use and so the sequential test is not required and nor is the exception test.

The Flood Risk Assessment must follow the standing advice on the Environment Agency website (more vulnerable development in flood zone 2): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-assessment-standing-advice The FRA should set our any flood resilience measures for any parts of the ground floor that the proposal relates to (e.g. access points) and give assurances that future occupiers will sign up to the Flood Warning Information Service

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Design and Access Statement

Highways No information has been provided in relation to highways/parking. Is it intended to provide any off-street parking provision for future residents?

Suitable secure covered cycle parking will be required for the development. The council’s bicycle parking standards require 1 long stay space per 2 residents and 1 short stay space (visitors) per 20 residents.

I trust the above is of use, however please do not hesitate to contact me should you wish to discuss this in more detail.

3.2 Response

The valuable comments from the planning officer during the Pre-app process are noted and we have responded in the following ways:

• From a policy perspective, we acknowledge that the view of the planning department has modified slightly in recent years regarding their willingness to consider flexibility over uses in this location and that is very welcome. • No external alterations are proposed for the building with the exception of the modified roof form to allow light to penetrate the upper courtyard areas; this will not affect the overall silhouette of the building. • Additional floor plans and a section through the building have now been prepared and form part of the submitted drawings. • A Heritage Statement has been prepared in response to the point raised about the special character of the listed building. This is now included under Section 9 of this document. • A new Noise Report has been carried out by NOVA Acoustics to address the concerns raised during Pre-app. • A sound insulation scheme has been provided in the Noise Report, including glazing and an alternative ventilation strategy. These recommendations will be sufficient to achieve appropriate internal noise levels for the proposed development according to the BS8233:2014 criteria. • A flood risk assessment has now been prepared and is submitted with this application in response to the specific point raised during Pre-app. • We have looked again at the inferred overlooking issue between bedroom and studio space within the same property and whilst we understand the point raised, this does not affect other properties and the applicant feels this matter can be managed. • We will put forward a detailed cycle storage scheme and trust that this will be covered by a condition.

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Design and Access Statement

4 Use

4.1 Demand for residential use

Whilst there is clear demand for residential accommodation in this part of the city, the specific proposals here will not address, neither do they seek to, the wider need for housing, as the two apartments are only for occupation by the owners of the building. There are no plans for further conversion of the space at this level.

4.2 Social and Economic Context

The broader benefits of converting a largely vacant space within an existing building are self- evident. The applicant, Drop Dead Clothing, is keen to maintain its working base in Sheffield, though other options have been considered in the past.

Both the construction of the apartments and the legacy of the long term commitment to maintaining employment in Sheffield will therefore support local jobs and businesses, whilst at the same time providing much needed residential space, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the city, local area, businesses and services, increasing activity, investment and employment.

The construction of the development and its long-term use will generate an increased spend in local shops, hotels and other local businesses.

Once occupied, the development will bring an increase in council tax to Sheffield City Council.

4.3 Local facilities

This new residential accommodation has access to a broad range of facilities within a short journey on foot, by bicycle or car. The location of the building is close to community, retail and open space facilities, adjacent to public transport nodes all of which are positive benefits for the development.

The following local facilities are within a short walk / car journey from the site: • Tesco store on Infirmary Road • ALDI store on Flora Street • Astrea Academy • Netherthorpe Primary School • Pye Bank CofE Primary School • Northern General Hospital

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Design and Access Statement

5 Amount

5.1 Amount of Development

This application is for 2no. individual apartments. The gross internal floor areas (GIFA) are as indicated below:

Residential Apartments

Level GIFA Apartment One (Level 2) 341 m² Apartment One (Level 3) 95 m²

Apartment Two (Level 2) 296 m² Apartment Two (Level 3) 95 m²

TOTAL 827 m²

Both the apartments have been designed to exceed minimum space and amenity standards and by the introduction of the courtyard these are dual aspect dwellings.

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Design and Access Statement

6. Layout

6.1 Layout design

The design solution has been developed as an integrated response to the client Brief, the notable industrial heritage of the building and the constraints imposed by the Grade II listed structure and fabric.

The concept design solution has been modelled in 3D using Revit software, based on point cloud survey date, to ensure that it can be achieved. Compared with some of the options considered, we have actually selected a less radical design solution, to be submitted, which can be delivered in a coherent manner, working with the existing fabric of the building.

The brief for the accommodation in each apartment is as follows: • Open Plan layout preferred – Living space • Kitchen • Utility room • Dining area • 3 Bedrooms – ideally one of these to be master bedroom at upper level • Cinema room • Small studio/office • Outdoor terrace

6.2 Design drivers

The primary design driver is the wish to create generous, New York loft style apartments, with dramatic internal spaces, stunning views to the river and a large open terrace area.

One of the key points coming out of the experience with Covid-19 during 2020 has been the need for access to outside space, even if living in an apartment. Both Ian and Carol enjoy being outside in the open air, so they would like access to a large open terrace. When combined with large windows, this improved solar access will have a positive influence.

In addition to these two new apartments, the balance of the space at that level will be retained for storage provision.

6.3 Improved solar access

Apart from the obvious well-being benefits of increased sunlight (Vitamin D, release of serotonin etc.), the goal of improved solar access is to create well-designed spaces that assure exposure to the sun during longer periods. Dwellings that do not consider solar access during the design process may lead to discomfort, as well as increased energy consumption for lighting and heating, due to the lack of passive solar energy.

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Design and Access Statement

6.4 Reduced visual impact

We have intentionally reduced the visual impact of the development to a minimum when viewed externally and so there are no new window openings in main elevations. The result is that the works, when complete, will not be noticed from outside the building.

6.5 Noise

The impact of noise has been fully assessed and the outcome submitted with the final proposals. At this point, some of the measures under potential consideration are as follows: • Installing a MVHR system to mitigate against the need for opening windows • Installing secondary glazing internally to windows along noisy facades exposed to high ambient external noise levels • Consider isolating new structure (as far as possible) to reduce internal sound transfer • Installing high quality partitions/doors to reduce internal noise transfer

6.6 Sustainability

The proposals are sustainable as demonstrated by the points below: • Sustainability is integral to the scheme. • The proximity of the site to local amenities, services, public transport networks has all been outlined above. • The location of the site is inherently sustainable as it is already supported by local infrastructure and services. As this site is in an existing urban location, no energy consumption is required to construct surrounding roads, sewer networks etc. as they are already in place. • Materials for the construction will be sourced locally wherever possible. • The applicant will ensure that waste produced during the construction process is minimised, re-used or recycled as part of a Waste Management Plan.

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Design and Access Statement

7. Scale

The overall mass of the building does not change with these proposals.

We have submitted several 3D views with the proposal and these clearly indicate the subdivision of the overall internal space, the relationship to external private amenity space (courtyards) and the space between dwellings, all of which are relevant to the scale of the proposals.

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Design and Access Statement

8. Appearance

As noted above, these proposal are based on the wish to create generous, New York loft style apartments, with dramatic internal spaces, stunning views to the river and a large open terrace area.

Our approach has been to maintain the external appearance of the building intact and minimize the appearance of this intervention as far as possible.

Building signage will be discrete where it is required.

Existing windows, doors and other key elements are important in the design composition and these will not be altered to external appearance. We have put forward a proposal that balances the need for good natural light, thermal efficiency, suitability and aesthetics of differing elements.

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Design and Access Statement

9. Heritage Statement

9.1 The Character & Significance of Osborn Works

Osborn Insignia Works is a Grade II Listed building. It was built just after the first world war, and was occupied until the 1960’s. After a period of dereliction, it was refurbished as offices, with new floors inserted. It was listed in 2009.

The listed building description notes the following reasons for the designation: “This workshop is notable as an example of early C20th industrial design of a building type which was not usually given an architectural treatment. Designed by Sheffield architect William John Hale, this otherwise utilitarian workshop is distinguished by its eye-catching principal elevations onto the River Don and Rutland Road, which incorporate large windows, subtle architectural detailing, and relief panels advertising the name and trademarks of Samuel Osborn and Co Ltd, steel manufacturers* This extravagant, architect-designed, workshop illustrates an optimistic moment in the history of Sheffield…”

It is a monumental structure that makes the most of its corner site. The building has two significant elevations, facing Rutland Road and the river, respectively. The rear elevation is architecturally less significant, and has been partially reclad in corrugated metal cladding. The north west boundary of the site is a party wall to an adjoining building.

The design of the building makes use of projecting bays, with narrow recessed panels between the bays, to both the river and Rutland Road elevations. Each bay has a large segmental arched window.

The architectural language is a stripped down classicism, reminiscent of the ruins of ancient Roman basilicas and bath buildings. Traditional historical detailing has been reduced almost to a level of geometrical abstraction. For instance, the cornice is a slightly projecting simple stone parapet, rather than complicated mouldings and brackets, typical of traditional historical architecture.

Originally the interior would have been one large open volume, but it is now divided into three floors. Furthermore, walls have been inserted, separating the building into several areas, which now support different functions. The restaurant and bar occupy the south east half of the building at ground floor level, with the rest of the ground, first and second floor levels being used by a clothing company. The original character of the building, before the insertion of floors and walls, would have been utilitarian, befitting its industrial purpose. The significant elements of the interior would have been the exposed brickwork external walls, the huge windows and the exposed steel columns and trusses, the latter being made of bolted flat steel sections, typical of industrial buildings of the time.

The building is the only known industrial design of the architect William John Hale, whose main body of work mostly comprised of Sheffield Board Schools and non-conformist churches. He designed in a Gothic or Renaissance style influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement and Art- Nouveau. After the First World War he designed several Methodist churches in a more ‘monumental’ classical style, more dependent on mass, rhythm and the interplay of volumes than on historical architectural detail, which was reduced to a minimum. Osborn Works fits into

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Design and Access Statement

the start of this later period of his career and represents the reimagining of traditional architecture in a modern, reductive fashion. This can be seen in the wider context of the development of 20th century architects. Major architect Edwin Lutyens designed buildings in a simplified form of historical styles, such a Castle Drogo before the First World War, and the Cenotaph following the war.

Samuel Osborn & Co Ltd had been involved in the steel industry since the middle of the 19th century. They were a major producer of steel tools and other products and prospered greatly during the First World War, as the demand for engineering products soared. Osborn Works was built for the manufacture of steel springs for the railway industry.

As described the architectural character and significance of Osborn works lies in the imaginative and grand treatment of its external form, its place in the work of its architect, WJ Hale and its relationship to the development of British architecture in general in the 20th century. The building can be seen as an expression of confidence and optimism at a time when Sheffield was the one of the most important, if not the most important, centres of steel manufacturing in the world.

9.2 The Proposed Scheme and its Context to the Heritage Asset

The proposed scheme is described elsewhere in this Design and Access Statement but in broad terms the design is for the creation of two apartments in the north east part of the two wider bays of the building. This will leave the narrow bays and the south west part of the second floor basically as existing. The apartments will create residential accommodation, including living areas which will be lit by the upper part of the great arched windows, on the river front elevation. A mezzanine area will be inserted in the middle of each apartment to make use of the space at the apex of the roof. A section of the roof will be removed to provide external space for the occupants, and light and ventilation to the interiors of the apartments.

A major principle of the design is to leave the external appearance of the building unaffected. The proposed internal high-level courtyards will allow for provision of light and air to the apartments without the need to alter the existing windows or add mechanical plant to provide ventilation.

The majority of the interventions will not significantly affect the actual structure of the building and will, therefore, be reversible and adaptable to future change.

9.3 Impact of the Proposed Scheme on the Character and Significance of the Heritage Asset.

As outlined above, the proposed scheme will have no effect of the external appearance of the building which, as noted by the list description, is where the architectural significance of the building lies. The only change to the external envelope will be the removal of a relatively small area of roof over each apartment, allowing for ventilation and light to be provided as noted above.

The creation of each courtyard will require the removal of a roof truss, but we do not consider this to have a major impact on the significance of the heritage asset. As noted previously the

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interior has already been divided and therefore lost its original open aspect. The internal elements such as the trusses are utilitarian in nature and not particularly unusual.

Other architectural features, such as the tops of the great arched windows, will be undivided internally and become, in effect, the defining features of the internal spaces. Secondary glazing will be designed to fit sensitively and unobtrusively behind the glazing.

In terms of the industrial significance, we reiterate the external appearance of the building will be unaffected, with the symbols and names of the Samuel Osborne & Company Ltd proudly apparent. The industrial character of this area has changed dramatically, as it has for the city as a whole. Mixed used schemes, combining commercial and leisure use are now common, as are the reuse of industrial buildings for residential purpose. Examples of industrial buildings in the local area converted to residential use are described elsewhere in this Design and Access Statement. In our opinion the residential use of part of the building, as well as the associated alterations, will not significantly affect the significance and character of the building, as it now stands.

Prepared by Oliver Hardiman – RIBA, AA Dip. Conservation

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10. Access

10.1 Access Provision

The proposed scheme is designed to comply with the requirements of Approved Document Part M, Volume 2 (2015). As such, the site and proposed buildings provide reasonable provision to gain access to and use the buildings and its facilities.

Each dwelling is designed to have an independent access via passenger lift designed in accordance with Part M. Sanitary facilities at the primary level in line with the recommendations of the Approved Document Part M.

Parking provision will be allocated from existing on-site parking.

The pathway and approach to the primary entrance is designed to give precedence to the pedestrian over the car wherever possible. Where pedestrian routes and vehicular access points do cross, there will be dropped kerbs wherever necessary. All paths to have a minimum width of 900mm with a reasonably smooth and non-slip surface. The approach to the principal entrance is to be level or gently sloping, wherever practicable.

All approaches to buildings will have level or ramped access from the car park in full accordance with Part M of the Building Regulations.

Standard parking spaces to be 2.5m wide x 5.0m in length.

Light switches and electrical sockets will be between 450mm and 1200mm above floor level and a minimum of 300mm from an inside corner. Boiler timer controls and thermostats are mounted between 900mm and 1200mm above floor level.

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Design and Access Statement

11. Supporting Documents

11.1 Supporting Documents

The following supporting documents are also provided as part of this Planning Application and should be read in conjunction with drawings and the Design and Access Statement: • Acoustic Report – Nova • Daylighting Levels – Services Design Associates • Flood Risk Statement

11.2 Community Consultation

No formal community consultation has taken place on the project; however, the applicant is happy to receive comments from interested local parties on the design solution.

11.3 Waste Management Strategy

This proposed development has been designed to accommodate the waste and recycling regimes in force within Sheffield City Council. Bins are not visible from within the public realm and shared private space when stored. Communal bin storage areas will be in robust materials designed to withstand vandalism.

Tracking of refuse vehicles has been carried out to ensure that they can move unimpeded around all of the internal hard surfaces.

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Design and Access Statement

12 Conclusion

This proposal seeks planning approval for the conversion of approximately 65% of the internal footprint of the building at second floor level to two generous apartments for the owners of the Drop Dead Clothing Company.

This area is currently vacant space and although partially used for limited storage, it is surplus to the requirements of the company.

Given the above, it is our opinion that this application is compliant with all local and national planning policies and should be considered acceptable to the local authority planning department.

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Design and Access Statement

APPENDICES

Design and Access Statement

APPENDIX 1: DRAWING LIST

Drawing No. Description

11557-SELF-ZZ-XX-DR-A-001 Site Location Plan 11557-SELF-E-00-DR-A-006 Existing Ground Floor Plan 11557-SELF-E-00-DR-A-007 Existing First Floor Plan 11557-SELF-E-02-DR-A-002 Existing Second Floor Plan 11557-SELF-E-XX-DR-A-008 Existing Sections 11557-SELF-E-XX-DR-A-009 Existing Elevations 1 of 2 11557-SELF-E-XX-DR-A-010 Existing Elevations 2 of 2 11557-SELF-P-00-DR-A-014 Proposed Ground Floor Plan 11557-SELF-P-02-DR-A-003 Proposed Second Floor Plan 11557-SELF-P-00-DR-A-004 Apartment 01 11557-SELF-P-00-DR-A-005 Apartment 02 11557-SELF-P-XX-DR-A-011 Proposed Sections 11557-SELF-P-XX-DR-A-012 Proposed Elevations 1 of 2 11557-SELF-P-XX-DR-A-013 Proposed Elevations 2 of 2

Design and Access Statement

APPENDIX 2: SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Photo 1: View within 2nd floor storage area

Photo 2: View showing roof trusses

Design and Access Statement

Photo 3: View of glazing

Photo 4: View of main beam support

Design and Access Statement

Photo 5: View of roof valley detail

Photo 6: View of typical floor build-up