Planned shop redesigned to fit in with housing

Rotherham Council ruled last summer that the store would have a poor relationship with neighbouring properties and be “at odds” with the wider character of Thorpe Hesley.

Applicants Northgate Assets have returned with fresh plans which they say address the concerns raised by RMBC last July.

A spokesperson for the developers said: “The appearance is now one of a residential property that will assimilate well within the urban grain and make a positive contribution to the street scene and adjacent conservation area.

“The scale, bulk and massing of the building is wholly appropriate and not dissimilar to existing buildings locally.”

Other concerns raised by the council included noise nuisance and general disturbance, and the lack of fully safe and suitable access. No date has been set for a decision on the new plans.