save a bit of Sheffield cutlery history

[robin wood]

Some will have seen threads before about the threat to Portland Works the grade 11* listed purpose built cutlery works where stainless steel was first made into cutlery following Harry Brearly's discovery in 1913.

This world heritage asset is currently under threat of being turned into flats. You have until Thursday to make a difference to the planning committee. Useful guidance on how to make a difference is available here http://www.portlandworks.co.uk/

The works has been in continuous use for cutlery manufacture since being built and Stuart Mitchell continues to make knives there today. Anyone anywhere in the world can object.

Please take a minute to read the notes and send in an objection.

 

[PeterHW]

Hi Robin, I have read the links provided and the documentation regarding making an objection. The point about the detail and weight of an objection being more important than the number of objections is critical in these situations.

The highlighted "material" reasons in bold in the information provided about objecting is helpful but it misses out the key issues of "the general development plan"- "national guidelines"- "and case law on planning applications"....particularly as to how they relate to listed buildings...

Also on the issue of parking/traffic management/and relating safety on access and egress...the notion of the provision of "bus passes" to tennants to mitigate increased parking caused by the development is derisory and definately should be challenged...and reviewed with case law.

I will try and call you to see if I can help....I am a Solicitor by profession and have some experience of planning but it is not my specialist field...however I do know overlooking the above points would weaken the objection from a technical point of view as these are key areas of consideration within the entitled "material" grounds for objections...unfortunately the timetable seems a bit tight if an objection needs to be filed by the 10th which is tomorrow!

It might be worth calling the case officer to see if filing an objection within the deadline can enable additional detail to be added afterwards and before the matter is fully considered.

Good of you to bring this issue to the forum's attention...I guess this is critical for Stuart Mitchell's business...

 

[robin wood]

Hi Peter,

Thanks for this. I shall pass the info on to Derek Morton who is coordinating the campaign.

Robin

 

[locum76]

I like the whole ethos of this where a bunch of different artists and artisans share the same space. I'll sign the petition. It looks like the building could with a facelift and some repairs though.

Who owns it just now? Can they fundraise to repair and upgrade the building? could they plan to convert a portion of the building to flats to pay for the maintenance of the rest of the building?

sometimes you have to fight fire with fire....

 

[_mark_]

I was there today, wonderful place.

 

[stuart m]

Evening all, things are moving on with this, we are now well on the way to setting up an Industrial Provident Society (for community benefit) to buy, run and renovate the Works.

Effectively a cooperative which combines the advantages of charitable status and a registered company.

Shares will be offered in the Portland Works IPS so all will have chance to own a part of this great building, and so support the project.

We will be seeking that support soon

But, if for any other reason you think you could offer us help, please get in touch, via the website would be best - www.portlandworks.co.uk