Sheffield Greens are objecting to plans to turn the former photographic shop next to Costa Coffee on St Paul’s Parade next to the Peace Gardens into a betting shop.
Councillor Jillian Creasy has written the following objection.
Comment on 12/02481/FUL – betting shop proposal for St Paul’s Parade
Dear Matthew Ridge
Comments re application 12/02481/FUL
I with to OBJECT to this application.
The applicants, Coral, claim that conversion of the empty unit to a betting shop would comply with the national Planning Policy Framework in terms of delivering sustainable growth and that it would increase levels of footfall and add to the vitality of the area. This is simply not true.
St Paul’s parade faces the Peace Gardens which is already very busy. The area has been designed and designated as a high quality civic space which is suitable for family use in the daytime and café-style bistro and pavement entertainment in the evening. Frequently the whole area is given over to civic events (celebrations, memorial, festivals) when people of all ages and backgrounds gather in full view of the Town Hall. It is part of the “heart of the city” quarter, which is protected by the night time uses planning guidance, limiting late night opening. This was done to protect nearby residents, but more especially to encourage more “sophisticated” outlets befitting of its position and the intended use of the civic spaces.
A betting shop is not appropriate in this setting and, far from encouraging footfall and vitality, will be a disincentive for high quality shops, bars and restaurants, bringing the area down and leading to a decline in footfall.
Cllr Jillian Creasy, Central ward