Housing plans for former NHS HQ approved

Plans to build housing on a fire-ravaged former NHS headquarters have been approved despite 150 objections.

The proposed 67 new homes at Fulwood were given the go-ahead by Sheffield City Council on Tuesday along with permission for an eight-storey office block on the site to be demolished.

Critics previously argued there would not be enough parking for new homes and Fulwood House was on the brink of collapse after catching fire twice.

However the NHS, which owns the site, said the proceeds of any sales would be used to improve health services.

Planning officers also said most locals "do accept" the site - which has been empty since 2023 - needs to be transformed into housing.

The mock Tudor-style main building, Fulwood House, is going to be restored after its second blaze last year with extensions removed and a new, single-storey front extension added.

Planning officer Jacob George confirmed it would be turned into six flats, surrounded by 15 large houses, with five further houses in a row along Woofindin Road and others further back.

All other buildings, including the 1960s office block, considered by some to be an eyesore, will be demolished.

Furthermore, the 46 two- and three-bedroom flats would be "nestled into the landscape", said George, with an underground car park and leisure facilities.

"A staggered building line would achieve a more naturalistic appearance," he added.

The site, next to Whiteley Woods, will also feature an enhanced green corridor and 72 new trees will be planted, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

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