Decision date for 250-job shopping development

PLANS to convert a warehouse and create more than 250 jobs at a retail park will go before Rotherham Council next week.

The £25 million proposals for a site at Cortonwood by developer Budenny LLP will be discussed by the planning board on February 21.

If planning permission is granted, a warehouse will be converted into six retail units with work set to begin in Spring 2014.

Applicant Daniel Harris said: “Our plans for Cortonwood will mean around 250 quality, long-term jobs in an area hard-hit by the recession.

“We will create additional retail choice and employment in an area of high deprivation, improving facilities and opportunities for local people.”

The Cortonwood East scheme has already been welcomed by Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce.

A spokesman for the chamber said: “We support this application, which we feel has an obvious business case to create 255 full-time positions and approximately 32 construction jobs.

“It represents significant economic benefit for the local area and will ensure that the site continues to make a contribution to the local economy.”

The applicant confirmed that they were awaiting planning permission before approaching individual retailers.