New plans for convenience store in Thorpe Hesley thrown out

Residents reacted strongly to the proposals for the shop opposite the Horse and Tiger pub on Brook Hill, Thorpe Hesley.

A previous application from Northgate Assets was rejected by Rotherham Council in July last year following more than 100 objections.

The applicants returned earlier this year with a revised plan, which they said would make the development more in-keeping with the surrounding area.

This second proposal attracted more than double the number of objections, with 11 letters sent in support.

Concerns included pedestrian safety, increased parking problems and the fact there are already two village stores and a petrol station close to the site.

Rotherham Council has again thrown out the plans. A spokesperson said: “It is considered that while some changes to the built form have been made to try and ensure the building assimilates with its surroundings, they are minimal and would still ensure that the overall built form is at odds with the surrounding area in general which apart from two historic public houses is residential in nature.

“It is therefore still considered that the building is of a poor design that would introduce an incongruous feature into the streetscene on the edge of a conservation area, and the previous reason for refusal on design grounds has not been overcome.”