£25m shops plan thrown out to protect Rotherham town centre

COUNCILLORS have rejected plans for a £25 million retail development at Cortonwood shopping outlet in a bid to protect near by town centres.

The proposals by developer Budenny LLP to demolish and convert a warehouse into six retail units promised to bring 250 new jobs to the area.

But Rotherham councillors turned down the application because of the negative impact they believed it would have on surrounding town centres.

A Rotherham Council spokesman said: “This large area, of out-of-town retail development would have a significant adverse impact on the vitality and viability of existing town centres, including Rotherham, Wombwell and Goldthorpe.

“It would also have a negative impact on the planned investment in Barnsley town centre, and cause problems of congestion on the local highway network.

“Rotherham Council welcomes business development across the borough, but works hard to ensure it is in the right location.”

He added: “For Rotherham to grow successfully, new business developments need to be accessible and not cause issues for road users.

“Therefore, in accordance with National Planning policy, we have a strong ‘town centre first’ approach to ensure development benefits our town centres, supports existing businesses and are accessible by public transport, rather than allowing further out of town development.”

The Cortonwood East proposals had been given support by Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce who described the plans as representing “significant economic benefits”.

The applicant said it would provide a boost for local jobs and confidence, improving retail choice.

Landowner and applicant, Daniel Harris, said he was “very disappointed” by the outcome.

He added: “In reaching this decision, the planning committee has prevented over 200 jobs and £25 million investment coming to Rotherham.

“We will now pause and consider our position, before deciding what our next steps should be.”

The development was earmarked for an existing distribution centre currently operated by logistics firm UPS on behalf of the owners Budenny LLP.

It was originally developed ten years ago by Alba PLC who have since found that the scheme is no longer viable.