Sheffield Council has given planning permission for Independent Forgings & Alloys Ltd to substantially expand its steelworks operations on Livesey Street in Owlerton. The approved development includes construction of a ring forge, 3,000-tonne press forge bay, machine shop, and associated warehouses alongside extensions to existing facilities at the site, which has operated continuously in steel production for more than 170 years.

The project is forecast to add approximately 170 permanent positions to the current workforce of 293 employees, with construction scheduled over two-and-a-half years. The Environment Agency raised initial flood risk concerns, but the council determined that existing Loxley River defences and flood-resistant building design adequately mitigate those risks. The expansion also incorporates new staff amenities including a central courtyard space and 200 parking spaces.