We acquired this site, the former Foundry Workers Club, at auction. It was a challenging brownfield site, having sat derelict for over a decade with no planning consents in place, but we saw a clear opportunity for redevelopment.
The site is located in the Manor area of Sheffield, adjoining the Trans Pennine Trail and with excellent transport links via the nearby Sheffield Parkway. It sits within a popular residential area, well-served by local parks and green corridors.
Our initial vision was to develop the site ourselves. We successfully navigated a complex planning process, developing fully-designed house types with our architects, engineering detailed geotechnical and noise solutions, and clearing and grading the site. We were in the process of preparing the building regulations package to commence construction.
As we were preparing to start, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a strategic suspension of our plans. This pause presented a new opportunity to work with WDH, which has since become Vico Homes.
We structured a successful two-stage sale. The first phase, with detailed planning for 26 homes consisting of 4 two-bedroom and 22 three-bedroom houses, was sold first.
This was followed by the sale of Phase 2, the former club car park. This was a significant planning win, as we secured a highly flexible “all matters reserved” outline consent on land that was unallocated in the Local Plan. This achievement established the residential principle from scratch and gave maximum flexibility in the detailed planning application, which subsequently established an additional 13 plots.
A key achievement across both of our planning applications was securing consent with no Section 106 agreement, significantly enhancing the project’s viability. The design also preserved specimen trees, including a high-quality mature oak, and created a new “secret meadow”.
The development is being constructed by Hoober Homes, with practical completion scheduled for 2025. This project highlights our ability to add significant value from the ground up and adapt strategically to maximise project outcomes.
Project Status: Sold / Completion 2025
Acquisition: Derelict site bought at auction
Our Role: Site Assembly, Planning, Design & Pre-construction
Units: 39 homes total
Phase 1: 26 homes
Phase 2: 13 homes
Planning:
Phase 1: 19/03963/FUL – Granted
Phase 2: 21/01362/OUT – Granted
Key Win: No Section 106 Agreement
Environmental: Specimen trees preserved; new meadow created, major highway noise attenuation.
Buyer: WDH / Vico Homes
Main Contractor: Hoober Homes
Architect: Cadenza VM Ltd
Landscape & Ecology: Weddle Landscape Design
Geotechnical: Eastwood & Partners
Noise Consultant: Environmental Noise Solutions
Topographical Survey: Terra Measurement