Third application lodged for new convenience store in Rotherham village

Amended plans for a new convenience store in Thorpe Hesley are been lodged – after the previous two schemes were refused.

The new scheme is proposed on land off Brook Hill, Thorpe Hesley, which was used as a manège and sand paddock for equestrian purposes.

The previous plans were refused by the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council in July 2021, for reasons relating to design, specifically on the character and appearance of the area and adjacent Thorpe Helsey Conservation Area; perceived noise disturbance and access and parking provision.

A second application was refused in February this yer.

If approved, the store will open seven days a week, and is proposed to be built on a split level, with a sales floor at ground level and back of house at basement level, as well as 11 parking spaces.

Developers propose a new vehicular access from Brook Hill, along with a pedestrian crossing and, double yellow lines and dropped kerbs.

“The new store will allow for an improvement in the range and choice of goods offered locally and will provide a modern new retail environment with a light and spacious floorplan and adequate car parking provision,” state planning documents.

Amendments include using buff brick and render to “mirror surrounding houses” and a stone wall and railings to replace the previous timber fencing which was proposed.

“The appearance is one of a residential scale that will assimilate well within the urban grain and make a positive contribution to the street scene and adjacent Conservation Area,” adds the report.

To combat concerns around noise and general disturbance, the applicant has submitted a noise assessment and management plan.

“Given the measures proposed by the applicant, it is not considered that there would be an unacceptable impact on the residential amenity of the area.

“The opening hours and operations will not extend into the night-time hours as the store will close at 11pm. This is an accepted time for the operation of a convenience store.”