Lidl planning application withdrawn

The retailer first applied to build a 1,880sq metre supermarket in 2020, but the plans were rejected by RMBC on the grounds of the “detrimental” impact the new store would have on businesses in the village.

A second application was submitted in 2022 for the same site, which Lidl bosses said would create up to 40 jobs, and provide new facilities for nearby Swallownest Miners Welfare Club.

However, the  second application was withdrawn on March 21.

Residents have submitted more than 300 comments to Rotherham Council, with some objecting to the plans on the grounds of air quality, effects on current shops in the area, road safety, and increased congestion.

One wrote: “There are already sufficient convenience stores situated in the village and surrounding area.”

Some residents supported the plans, hoping for a new discount supermarket in the area during the cost of living crisis, as well as more jobs and increased choice.

And the miners welfare was “deeply disappointed” by the withdrawal of the application. A spokesperson said: “The plans to regenerate the area would have made this a tremendous spot.”