Row over Sheffield church cafe extension

So far there are 15 objections on the planning application for alterations and extensions to St Luke’s Church, Blackbrook Road, Lodge Moor.

There is also a petition with more than 50 signatures against the plans.

The extensions would create a new chapel and main entrance to the south elevation, a first-floor meeting room and a cafe with green roof, landscaping and associated works.

But objectors living on Blackbrook Road raised concern about a potential increase in traffic, parking and noise, loss of trees and overlooking.

One said: “We have been here for 28 years, which back then the church was purely a place of worship.

“Over the years the church has introduced so many groups and activities, including mother and baby groups, mother and toddler, pre-school groups, after school care, boy scouts, girl guides, men’s clubs, polling stations, dinner clubs, midnight walks as well as hiring out the hall for special events such as birthdays, weddings etc.

“We can no longer sit in our gardens in peace for the noise coming from the church’s outside play area – and now with the church wanting to extend the building and introduce a café we only know these matters will get worse.

“As to the creation of a café – the church is not a commercial building and as such it should not be allowed.

"Why do we need a café? We have other local coffee shops which not only during these uncertain times, but in general, need our support to keep their businesses running and we feel if a café was introduced to the church, this would not only take business away from other cafes but add to the existing parking problems on the road.”

But the church said the development is ‘much needed’. In a statement with the plans, Smith and Roper Architects and Surveyors, on behalf of the church, said: “The church places much emphasis and importance on its role in the community, providing a welcoming and functional facility to all.

“However, it is generally felt that the building itself has become increasingly less-able to cater for its growing and evolving community and as a result, is not as efficient as it could be in its daily function.

“There is little external information or signage regarding the building’s identity or associated activities and therefore, although used as a church and community centre, the building is not advertised or exposed to its fullest potential.

"Whilst information cards, signage and new notice boards have improved matters somewhat, it is felt that the church could do more by providing a much needed ‘social space’ for use by all.

The proposed café, it is hoped, will become an extremely valuable facility for the local community, used by a varied demographic and will encourage the presence of a new, multi-generational community.”

To read the plans in full or comment, go to https://planningapps.sheffield.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=QGPGKNNYL6500

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