Lukewarm response to Swinton development consultation

Swinton Civic Hall was thronged with interested residents for a drop-in event kickstarting consultation over how two large council-owned sites — including one where the Civic Hall and library buildings stand — could be regenerated.

But many left none the wiser as the only plans on show were maps with lines around the areas to be developed.

The council stressed this was only the first stage in a scheme which may not involve any on-site work until next year.

But those attending last Thursday’s event questioned the point of holding a consultation event with detail so thin on the ground.

Among those railing against the lack of information on offer was Dr James Fretwell, who said: “Where is the plan for what they’re going to replace this with?

“They’ve got nothing to show and they will do what they want with it anyway.

It’s an exercise to establish what opposition there is to change. They could build us a nice new library or make more use of the buildings we’ve got.

“Whatever happens I suspect they are going to knock this all down and build some kind of carbuncle.

“If this is demolished and there’s no money spent to replace it that is a loss to the community.”

Ian Wolsteholme said: “They’re showing us what they’re going to demolish but not what they’re going to replace it with. 

“There’s no plans and no options on the table.

“We want to be presented with a proposal of what they’re going to build and what the benefits will be.”

Storey Street resident Susan Merrick was cynical about whether there would be any benefit to the community of Swinton.

“It’s about putting money in the coffers of Rotherham Council and they will be taking it out of Swinton,” she said.

“If there is any housing people from Swinton won’t be able to afford to buy them anyway and more housing is going to put pressure on the services we have.”

Mr Merrick said the council had drawn up plans for the village before which had not come to fruition and she was unconvinced this time would be any different.

The two sites in question include the vacant site once occupied by the now-demolished Charnwood House residential home and a larger site fronting Station Street and including the village’s main shopping parade, car park and civic buildings.

Residents the Weekender spoke to were united in their view that plenty of car parking must be retained.

The council said a development brief was likely to be drawn up by the spring and work could start by the end of the year.

Any scheme could include up to 70 new homes, redeveloped public areas and leisure space, as well as changes to the library, civic hall and the public spaces to create a welcoming community hub, according to the authority.

Cllr Stuart Sansome said last Thursday’s event had been held at the request of the three Swinton councillors to ensure residents were up to speed.

He said investment was needed as there had been no new investment in the village since the 1970s but was keen to ensure pressures on services such as schools and GP surgeries were given full consideration.

Cllr Sansome said further drop-ins would be arranged once plans are drawn up.

Any new housing would come with a requirement that 25 per cent was made available on an “affordable” basis, he said.