It says it is "disappointed" after councillors rejected proposals for a complex for 2,700 students and 400 staff at the corner of Arundel Gate and Charles Street. It is now reviewing its strategy, but still working towards opening in 2012.

Hallam was promising a "stunning" building for its Faculty of Development and Society partly on the site of a car park - and won the backing of council officers. But a planning committee voted six-one against the application on the basis of the impact on the conservation area and neighbouring Butcher Works, a listed building.

Concerns were raised about overdevelopment, the loss of a street grid system in a historic part of the city centre through the enclosing of Brown Lane and the effect on residents of Butcher Works.

Councillors delayed a decision so that they could visit the site - opposite the "cheesegrater" multi-storey car park.

Now Hallam has to think again about what it intends to be the last major piece in its city centre campus. Accommodation is needed for the architecture and planning departments, and the building was designed to include a 300-seat lecture theatre and a cafe.

The university wants to start construction by the end of the year with completion by August 2012, ready for students and staff moving from part of the Collegiate campus near Clarkehouse Road.

Prof Cliff Allan, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Hallam, said: "We are disappointed that the city council planning board has rejected our current proposals for the Charles Street development due to concerns about certain elements of the design.

"We will now review our estates masterplan to take the decision into account and consider our next steps over the coming weeks. This setback will not affect our ability to provide teaching space for students or accommodation for staff in 2012."

Council officers assessed details of the scale and design of the proposed development and how it would fit into the historic area and concluded they were acceptable. Although rising to seven storeys facing Arundel Gate, the building would slope down to two storeys next to Butcher Works.

But Liberal Democrat and Labour councillors were unconvinced, with only planning committee chair John Hesketh voting in favour.

Councillors were told that Government-backed conservation agency English Heritage raised some issues, but broadly welcomed the scheme.

However Sheffield Conservation Advisory Group warned of a loss of character to the Cultural Industries Quarter if permission was granted.

It also raised shared concerns about the effect on Butcher Works, a former cutlery factory that has been converted into apartments, and said the development should be no more than five storeys.


BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.



MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters