News: Housebuilder identifies two new green belt sites in Rotherham

A national housebuilder has identified two new agricultural sites in Rotherham as potential sites for new developments and hundreds of houses.

Based in Doncaster, Strata, works with housing associations and investors to bring forward developments and previous Rotherham locations include Catcliffe, Waverley and Kiveton Park.

Now agents for the company have engaged with Rotherham Council ahead of submitting planning applications for locations in Treeton and Aston.

At Wood Lane in Treeton a 7.85 hectare site has been identified as having the potential for a 154 home development.

The site is made up of two agricultural fields between the existing Jones Homes development and a nursing home. It was classified as green belt in the borough's local plan that is currently being updated.

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The early stage plans, drawn up by consultants, Nineteen47, state: "The Site is considered to constitute Grey Belt land for the purposes of the NPPF [national planning guidelines], having been assessed as not strongly contributing to Green Belt purposes (a), (b) or (d).

"The Site is also considered to represent a sustainable and accessible location for residential development, with good access to existing services, facilities and public transport, and the proposals are capable of responding to the applicable Golden Rules, including in relation to affordable housing, infrastructure and publicly accessible green space. This position is particularly relevant in the context of the LPA's current housing land supply shortfall and the opportunity for the Site to contribute towards meeting Rotherham's identified housing needs."

A number of applications have been submitted for green belt and "safeguarded" land as Rotherham Council is no longer able to demonstrate a Five-Year Land Supply given the changes at a national level that have increased housing targets. The target for new house building per annum in Rotherham has increased from circa 560 dpa (Dwellings Per Annum) to 1,111 dpa.

At nearby Aston, Strata has identified a 4.14 hectare site at Piper Lane.

Another green belt site, the builders believe that a 90-home development could replace the agricultural land. Access is currently from Piper Lane but proposed access for a residential development would likely come via Maple Grove.

The early stage plans say that it would be a logical extension to Aston and consultants, Nineteen47, again state that they consider the site to constitute Grey Belt land.

Strata website

Images:

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News: Beatson Clark investing in Rotherham and the future of glass manufacturing

Historic Rotherham firm Beatson Clark is marking 275 years of history by investing in its future.

Beatson Clark has been manufacturing glass containers on the same site since it opened in 1751, and it now supplies glass bottles and jars to the food, beverage, healthcare, homeware and personal care sectors across the world.

Among the most significant recent investments are screen printing machines installed in the new decorating plant, innovative air curtains in the glassworks to improve employee health and safety during hot end swabbing operations, and a new Euro palletiser capable of packing onto industrial and Euro pallets.

Beatson Clark’s new decorating plant began operation in August 2024 and is already expanding to meet increasing customer demand. The addition of screen printing equipment means the company can now produce a wide range of decorative effects using organic, ceramic and precious metal inks. Ceramic inks are fused onto the glass at high temperatures, making the print extremely durable, while organic print is a cost-effective option that can be applied in virtually any colour. These investments are a response to the current trend for brands looking to premiumise their packaging using spray and print effects.

Alongside these new services, Beatson Clark is also launching a raft of new container ranges for the growing spirits, homeware and personal care markets that are ideal for premium decoration. Other investments which are less visible to customers but equally important are the new air curtain system and the Euro palletisers.

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Beatson Clark is the first glass packaging manufacturer in the UK to install pioneering air curtains to further enhance operator protection during hot end swabbing operations. The innovative equipment removes contaminants from the operator's breathing zone rather than relying on PPE.

Following a successful trial on one production line, the system was rolled out across the entire manufacturing operation and now benefits employees across the hot end operation. Feedback from operators has been overwhelmingly positive. Real-time monitoring has shown the system to be highly effective, reducing airborne particulates in the operator's breathing zone by approximately 95%.

The project’s success has been recognised by British Glass, with the initiative shortlisted for the Health and Safety Action Award. The winners will be announced on 19th November at the Glass Focus Awards ceremony in Sheffield.

Meanwhile, the company is investing more than £3.6 million on four new palletisers over the next 12 months, enabling it to pack both standard UK pallets and slightly smaller Euro pallets. This greater packing and palletising flexibility will expand export opportunities in Europe for Beatson Clark, which works closely with its European sister company Pont Packaging and its wide network of distributors across the globe.

While much has changed since the company first began making glass in 1751, its approach remains the same: investing in innovation, adapting to new market demands and continually improving the service it provides to customers. Celebrating 275 years of manufacturing is an opportunity not only to reflect on the Beatson Clark’s heritage, but also to look ahead to the future of glass packaging.

Beatson Clark website

Images: Beatson Clark

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News: Rotherham Council extends rent support to traders after teething troubles at new market hall

Support for stall holders in Rotherham's new market hall has been extended after operators admitted that traders and visitors had faced "temporary challenges."

As part of the £46.844m scheme, traders from the old indoor market have moved temporarily into the New Market Hall until the work on the indoor market is complete (previously scheduled for Autumn 2027). When these traders move back into their revamped home, street traders are due to make use of the new Market Hall.

Rothbiz reported last month on traders raising issues impacting their businesses since the new hall opened in the summer.

Footfall had been affected by ongoing construction activity in the area, hot weather and the closure of the college campus over the summer.

An update to Sarah Champion, the local Rotherham MP, John Edwards, chief executive of Rotherham Council, said: "Recognising the impact that regeneration works have had on customer footfall and trading conditions, the Council has reviewed the current position and taken the decision to extend the existing rent relief support for Market Hall traders.

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"Traders have been advised that the current three-month rent-free period, which was due to end on 30 September 2026, will now be extended for a further six months until 31 March 2027. During this period, no market rent, storage rent or service charges will be payable.

"The communication issued to traders acknowledges the difficulties many businesses have experienced and thanks them for their patience, commitment and continued support throughout this significant period of change. The additional support is intended to provide greater certainty for traders, helping them to plan ahead during the important Christmas trading period and beyond.

"The Council remains committed to supporting the market and its traders while regeneration activity continues and will continue to monitor trading conditions and keep traders updated on future developments."

In the September 2026/27 Financial Monitoring Report, the council's Markets service is forecasting a £0.7m overspend because of income shortfalls. The authority said that this was "a similar position to previous years but a worsening of £0.1m since the last report as rent-free periods have been extended." The position is being monitored carefully as the development works continue, following the successful move of traders from the indoor covered market into the new Market Hall.

Contractors Henry Boot are on site completing the new library next door and a recently opened walkway connects the top of Drummond Street, the Henry Street lift access and the crossing near Drummond Street Car Park.

The end of the rent free period may coincide with the opening of the new Rotherham library which has been pushed back to the first quarter of 2027.

Outdoor markets have begun to make use of the new public realm outside of the market hall and in September a planning application was submitted for a big outdoor TV screen at the site.

Rotherham Markets website

Images: RMBC

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News: Rotherham neighbourhood in £2.55m funding boost

Local charities and community organisations in a Rotherham neighbourhood are being given the chance to control part of a £175m fund that aims to shift the decisions, agency and control directly to communities.

The Community Wealth Fund is a 10-year investment for 60 areas that will receive a share of the funding, across every region in England.

East Herringthorpe in Rotherham is one of the areas selected with £2.55m earmarked over the next ten years. £1.5m will go to the community to spend and £1.05m will go to a representing organisation to support the community and cover operational costs.

The areas were selected based on national data on high levels of deprivation, and low social capital and local community infrastructure to enable them to take full advantage of their strengths.

Funding could support creating or improving local community spaces and places; support community activities and local services; or support the development of local leadership. In one area, that could mean creating a youth council to give young people a stronger voice in local decision-making. In another, it could mean developing a community allotment that brings people together who may be struggling with isolation or their mental health.

The Community Wealth Fund was developed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in partnership with The National Lottery Community Fund and the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government.

It's one of the causes funded through the Dormant Assets Scheme, which aims to reunite people with lost or forgotten financial assets, such as old bank accounts. Where this is not possible, the funds are redirected to support social and environmental causes.

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Charities and community groups in the chosen areas will be able to apply to decide how the money is spent over the next ten years and those selected will need to show how they will give local people a central role in decision-making. The National Lottery Community Fund will support the selected areas and their learning needs, to ensure they are equipped for success and can build their capacity to thrive for the long term.

David Knott, Chief Executive of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "Devolution matters, but it must not stop at institutions. Real community power means local people having the authority, resources and time to shape the decisions that affect their lives – not simply being consulted after decisions have been made.

"The Community Wealth Fund is designed to put that ambition into practice. Made possible by a powerful combination of National Lottery and Dormant Assets Scheme funding, £175 million will support 60 neighbourhoods over ten years to set their own priorities, decide how money is invested and build the relationships and organisations that make lasting change possible.

"Success won't just be measured by what gets funded. It will be measured by whether communities have greater power and capacity to shape their own futures long after the funding ends.

"At The National Lottery Community Fund we believe lasting change starts with community – and stays with community. When local people lead, real and lasting change happens."

Minister for Impact Economy, Stephanie Peacock, added: "£87.5 million of dormant assets funding alongside a further £87.5 million matched funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, will be invested over the next 10 years in 60 areas so they can decide their own priorities and invest in what their communities need."

"The Community Wealth Fund marks a significant opportunity in the journey towards further devolution to put power into the hands of local people. It will give residents the tools and spaces they need to come together and shape the future of their community for the long term."

The Community Wealth Fund was inspired by the success of Big Local, a long-term community investment programme led by The National Lottery Community Fund that demonstrated the impact of giving residents the time, resources and support to lead change in their neighbourhoods.

Thurcroft in Rotherham benefited from Big Local and £1m in National Lottery funding. The legacy of which is the Thurcroft Hub community space.

Images: Google Maps

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News: New images released of Capital&Centric's "Rotherham reboot"

Further images have been released of the latest multimillion pound regeneration plans for Rotherham town centre. Public consultation is underway.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on details of the projects from social impact developer Capital&Centric, who have been awarded a contract to develop five council-owned sites that could reach up to £100m in value.

Pre-development work and feasibility studies are being carried out to create full business cases for five sites owned by Rotherham Council.

The Statutes and the sites on Sheffield Road are for residential schemes that are estimated to deliver hundreds of new homes. The Corporation Street and Snail Yard sites are considered best suited to a development of mixed uses.

Capital&Centric's plans to extend the Riverside Residential Quarter onto The Statutes and two sites on Sheffield Road are for residential-led schemes that are estimated to deliver 226 new homes including both apartments and townhouses.

A public garden and square could be created beside the Cutlers Arms with riverside routes connecting the neighbourhoods and linking back into town.

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For Snail Yard, a smaller-scale, mixed-use development is proposed, centred around a courtyard concept on the site of the former Primark.

A new mixed use proposal that includes commercial / office space and ten, three bedroom homes is being developed for the cleared site of burnt out buildings on Corporation Street.

Consultation documents state: "Snail Hill. Just off the High Street, we’re planning a courtyard with smaller spaces for independents to do their thing. Think makers, food businesses and places to grab a coffee, with planting and seating where you can take a break.

"Larger business units would face the High Street, with homes above and offices to the back. The courtyard would give people somewhere new to discover, alongside the businesses already thriving here.

"Corporation Street. Ground floor business spaces would bring activity onto the street between the historic centre and Forge Island. Above, we’re planning homes over two floors, with a shared courtyard at the rear for residents."

A consultation event is being held on Thursday November 12, 4–7pm at The Empire Theatre.

A spokesperson for Capital&Centric said: "We've been working with architects FaulknerBrowns to bring these early ideas to life, but nothing's set in stone. Before we take the next steps towards a potential planning application, we want to hear what you think. After all, it's your town, and your views can help shape what comes next.

"The designs take their cue from the ironworks, foundries and warehouses that once lined the River Don, with warm red and brown brick and the pitched and sawtooth roofs of Rotherham’s old workshops. Around the High Street and Corporation Street, new frontages would reflect the scale and character of neighbouring buildings.

"We want the new public spaces to become part of everyday life in town. The riverside walk and the garden beside the Cutlers Arms would offer more spaces to spend time, while residents would also have their own shared gardens."

Rotherham Council recently approved the next £2m in funding to enable Capital&Centric to move ahead with the plans. This stage includes detailed due diligence and design work including site investigations, securing planning permission, producing cost plans and raising development finances.

Capital&Centric website

Images: Capital&Centric / FaulknerBrowns

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