News: FerretWorks - a South Yorkshire take on fostering innovation

A University of Sheffield project which aims to scale-up disruptive businesses in the region is being backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The project has been given the name FerretWorks as a Yorkshire slant on SkunkWorks, the secret R&D team at Lockheed Aircraft Corp that worked quickly to develop a jet fighter for the United States during World War II.

The approach from the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) was formed to incubate high risk/high reward ideas away from the typical business KPIs and constraints, creating a space where it’s OK to fail, as well as putting money into the groups so they can make space for thinking.

SYMCA is now set to award £375k from its Project Feasibility Fund for FerretWorks.

A SYMCA paper explains: "The project will assist entrepreneurs by facilitating access to the resources required to help mature and de-risk the formation of disruptive technology businesses, laying the foundations for scale-ups of the future. The program aims to develop a culture of innovation in the SYMCA region that learns fast, fails fast, and de-risks the translation from concept to establishing an ecosystem of disruptive businesses."

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The project is set to develop a pipeline of IP generation and future entrepreneurs, create high-value jobs in the region, and encourage businesses to form and base themselves in the South Yorkshire Investment Zone.

The authority is also keen that the FerretWorks sub-brand will be used in marketing and promote SYMCA as "the place to develop innovative start-up businesses."

The AMRC has grown to become a world leader in manufacturing excellence, part of the national High Value Manufacturing Catapult network of research centres. With facilities in Rotherham and Sheffield it has more than 500 highly qualified researchers and engineers working on the manufacturing needs of the future, from composites to castings, additive manufacturing to machining.

The AMRC strategy was refreshed in 2023 where FerretWorks aims to facilitate ambitious steps in manufacturing research by giving engineers the freedom, space and time to create and explore new ideas, to run adjacent to the centre's themes of sustainability, digital, future platforms and supply chain resilience.

AMRC spin out companies include Productive Machines, FourJaw and AML.

AMRC website

Images: AMRC

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News: Grimm & Co wins prestigious Cultural Enterprise Award for Best Visitor Experience

Grimm & Co, the Rotherham-based children's literacy charity that helped inspire the world's first Children's Capital of Culture, has been recognised with a prestigious Cultural Enterprise Award in the Best Visitor Experience category.

The announcement came at an awards ceremony in Liverpool, where Founding Chief Executive Deborah Bullivant proudly collected the award. Other winners included the National Trust and the British Library.

The Cultural Enterprise Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the cultural and heritage sectors. Grimm & Co's recognition alongside these renowned organisations highlights the charity's significant impact and the quality of experience it provides to visitors.

Deborah Bullivant, CEO and founder of Grimm & Co, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this recognition for our visitor experience. This award belongs to our incredible team, volunteers, and most importantly, the children and young people whose creativity and imagination drive everything we do at Grimm & Co.

“To be recognised alongside such established cultural institutions validates our approach of putting young voices at the heart of cultural experiences. Our Emporium of Stories with Feastery café, a story marketplace and Apothecary to the Magical are open to all and this award demonstrates the quality of experience people receive when they visit Grimm & Co.”

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Based in Rotherham town centre, Grimm & Co has been instrumental in the borough's cultural transformation, having sparked the movement that led to the town becoming the world's first Children's Capital of Culture in 2025.

The charity's initial project in 2017 asked local young people: 'If you were in charge of Rotherham, what would you do?' – a question that ignited a youth-led vision for the town's future.

Converting a former church building, the award-winning visitor experience at Grimm & Co combines storytelling, imagination, and creative learning in ways that inspire both children and adults. The charity's approach has proven that cultural experiences designed with and for young people can achieve national recognition for excellence.

The recognition comes as Grimm & Co continues to play a key role in the town's extensive cultural programming for 2025, which includes festivals, creative learning projects in schools, and employment opportunities for young people in the creative industries, supported by Arts Council England.

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co

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News: Work to start on delayed new Rotherham tram-train stop

Work is due to start this weekend on a new tram-train stop seen as a key enhancement in improving the public transport system of the Rotherham area.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year that the £9m project had been delayed by a year and costs had increased for a new stop and park & ride facility at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Templeborough.

SYMCA has now confirmed that from Saturday March 29 until winter 2025, tram-train services on Saturdays after around 5pm will not be able to operate between Meadowhall South, Rotherham Central and Parkgate.

The temporary timetable changes are to enable construction work to be completed safely by lead contractor, AmcoGiffen.

Legal issues and delays associated with obtaining the necessary railway consents pushed the completion date of the project which is utilising £8.1m from the Transforming Cities Fund - £166m allocated to South Yorkshire by the Government in 2020.

SYMCA has also confirmed that the cost of the project is £9.2m.

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The tram-train line runs to the rear of the site and the new stop will be the first since the innovative tram-train opened in 2018. Currently up to three services an hour travel on the existing tram network from Sheffield Cathedral to Meadowhall South / Tinsley, before proceeding over a new section of track linking the tram line to the rail line. It then continues on to the National Rail network to Rotherham Parkgate via Rotherham Central station.

Current proposals will see the creation of two platforms at Magna – one for each running line, connected by a footbridge – with passenger information, lighting, CCTV and passenger shelters. Although the new stop is being designed on heavy rail infrastructure, the stop will provide passengers facilities similar to that of a Supertram stop.

Making use of the existing underutilised parking supply at Magna is seen as a cost-effective way of increasing Park & Ride facilities in the area. Proposals include 100 park and ride spaces, along with cycle parking and electric vehicle charging. The authority has confirmed that it will be free to park at in line with other SYMCA-operated park & ride sites.

The project aims to help to support the long-term viability of tram-train beyond its successful pilot and has been designed to improve air quality and congestion, particularly at junction 34 of the M1, with the overarching aim of encouraging people to think about choosing public transport and active travel over private cars.

When work begins, services on Saturdays after around 5pm will not be able to operate between Meadowhall South, Rotherham Central and Parkgate.

During this time, tram-train services will divert to Meadowhall Interchange. The last service to Parkgate will depart Cathedral at 17:00, and the last service to Cathedral will depart Parkgate at 17:31.

Supertram replacement bus service TT1 is timetabled to connect to tram services at Meadowhall South and will serve Rotherham Central and Parkgate.

Supertram website

Images: SYMCA / HBPW

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News: Could a new £28m theatre for Rotherham town centre be in the script?

Rotherham Council is getting its act together regarding a new performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre, casting doubt on the future of the Civic Theatre.

Rothbiz revealed in 2023 that a new theatre was included in the authority's place-based investment strategy following hints that a new theatre could be located in the Corporation Street area of town where the Council wants to see the Leisure & Cultural Quarter extended from Forge Island.

Regeneration funding is now being set aside to undertake market testing and an options appraisal for the provision of a performing arts venue in Rotherham town centre. £24,999 is set to be used from a £3m feasability fund backed by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Rotherham Civic Theatre, which celebrates 65 years in 2025, is a 356-seat theatre that accommodates a range of touring and local musical, comedy and theatrical performances. The building on Catherine Street is a converted church and was purchased by the Council in 1960.

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A Rotherham Council report reads: "The current building has challenges in terms of capacity, opportunity for growth and its general condition. A Feasibility Study was undertaken in 2022 to determine a suitable location for a new venue and the site was subsequently acquired by the Council.

"However, a new Centre for Performing Arts represents a significant investment and fundraising challenge for the Council and before plans progress it would like to undertake market testing to inform a full options appraisal to be sure that the investment would create a viable model for the future of the theatre."

When a new theatre was included in Rotherham's place-based investment strategy, it was given an investment figure of c.£28m.

Rotherham Council purchased the former Wilko's store and the vacated former Regal Cinema / Mecca Bingo on Corporation Street for regeneration purposes.

In 2022 an initial feasability study found that people responding to consultation were generally in favour of a new space in a more central location that takes advantage of transport links and provides a new focal point for the town centre culture and leisure offer.

New market testing and a detailed options appraisal would "enable the Council to explore options for a future performing arts provision in the town centre that are both financially robust and fit for the market."

Consultants have previously told the council that a new theatre should include a main house theatre, studio theatre, classrooms, workshops and rehearsal spaces in addition to active uses such as retail and hospitality that would provide a day time offer and "street level activation," with greater connection to the wider town centre development including restaurants, bars and other cultural venues.

The study also added that a new theatre should have greater links to travel and transport, both car parks, walking routes from new housing developments and public transport.

Rotherham Civic Theatre has historically attracted between 65,000 and 75,000 customers a year and enjoys a 65-70% capacity over the year including a well-supported panto of approximately 90% capacity.

Rotherham Council has also earmarked £4.5m of regeneration funding for a live music venue in the town centre and is working on options for the Alma Tavern.

Images: RMBC / Google Maps

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News: HMO plan for empty Rotherham retail building

A vacant retail property in Rotherham town centre could be brought back into use as a house in multiple occupation (HMO), if newly submitted plans are approved.

31 College Street became empty when Greenwoods Menswear moved its Rotherham store to Sheffield in 2018 having been brought out of administration the previous year. All branches ceased trading in 2019.

The Rotherham "flagship" store opened in 2011 in the former Music Zone unit. The move into the store was helped by an £8,000 grant from the Council's Town Centre Business Vitality Grant Scheme.

Now an application from Ahmad Swatiwal shows how it could have a future following a proposed conversion of the first and second floors into a 13-bed HMO.

Plans, drawn up by PBM Plans, explain that the ground floor would remain as commercial use but with a new ground floor front door installed to provide access to the upper floors.

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The other planned change to the building, which is not listed but is with the Rotherham town centre conservation area, is a replacement of the existing timber sash windows with PVC sash-style windows, which replicate the original design.

The proposals, which include retaining the glass shopfront and intricate stonework, are required "to adapt the building for modern use while preserving its historic character."

The plans conclude: "The proposed works at 31 College Street are designed to ensure the long-term usability of the building while respecting its historical and architectural significance.

"By incorporating sympathetic design and mitigation measures, this proposal supports the preservation and enhancement of the heritage character of Rotherham Town Centre."

Agents, Merryweathers, had been advertising the 3,800 sq ft property for sale, encouraging offers in the region of £300,000.

Images: Merryweathers

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News: Plans for more Rotherham solar farms

At the same time as plans are being developed for a huge solar farm across many greenbelt sites in Rotherham, a number of smaller proposals are progressing too.

Rothbiz reported last year on Whitestone Solar Farm, which if constructed, would generate up to 750MW of energy, enough to power up to 250,000 homes. It would be the largest solar farm in Yorkshire and one of the largest in the UK.

Consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation show that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm. Sites in the Rother Valley constituency include fields near to Bramley and Wickersley, near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Due to its size, Whitestone will be classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and would not be determined by Rotherham Council.

In recent months early stage proposals have been published for solar farms that would be determined by Rotherham Council.

Thurcroft Interchange Energy Park is being put forward by Exagen Group and involves a 49.9MW solar farm with a co-located 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and substation on farmland between Wickersley and Morthen. The yearly output of the solar generation is predicted to equate to the electricity use of approximately 20,370 average UK homes per year.

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The project is in early stages of public consultation and proponents say that it "will be sensitively designed within the land available, with input from local residents, planning experts and all relevant consultees."

Documents add: "The proposed Thurcroft Interchange Energy Park Project is made up of three adjacent parcels of land, with the majority of infrastructure to be installed in the south-eastern block adjacent to the M1 and M18. The proposed site will be effectively screened from the settlements of Wickersley, Whiston, and Thurcroft through enhancement to existing vegetation and the implementation of supplementary hedgerow and tree planting."

Across the borough, another solar develpoer, ILOS, is putting together plans for a 25 MVA solar farm west of Firsby Lane between Hooton Roberts and Conisbrough which comprises 21 hectares of greenbelt land.

Providing enough green energy for over 10,000 households, cultation documents explain: "The site will remain in agricultural use for the 30-40 year tenure of the lease and be crafted to rest the land from intensive farming, attracting considerable additional wildlife. No concrete is used in the module framework and the incumbent electricity provider, Northern PowerGrid, will manage the grid connection point."

Initial consultation for Whitestone has closed. Community drop in sessions are being held next week regarding Thurcroft Interchange Energy Park and consultation for Firsby Lane will close on March 27.

Exagen website
ILOS Energy website

Images: Exagen Group

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News: Council's £6m tender for town centre car park upgrade

Rotherham Council is looking to hook up with a private sector firm who can install and run an EV charging station in a town centre car park.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 on plans use £1.29m from a government funding pot to create a Solar PV Canopy and EV charge point scheme at Drummond Street Car Park.

After Requests for Information (RFIs) related to this project were issued, tendering has now begun for a concession contract valued at £6.25m.

The fixed budget for the design & build of the Solar PV Canopy is £1,050,000 excluding VAT and the private sector firm are expected to make a minimum contribution for EV Infrastructure of £330,000 excluding VAT.

The contract holder would then run the concession with council figures estimating that revenue for the proposed 15 year period would be £4.158m excluding VAT.

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Tender documents explain: "Drummond Street Car Park is a 240-space pay-and-display surface car park well used by commuters and shoppers. It is situated on the edge of Rotherham Town Centre, across the road from the central markets complex and has approximately 2,000 households within a ten-minute walk time. The main town taxi rank is conveniently accessible from the car park and is approximately 200m away, as is the A630 with an annual average daily flow of 35,158 vehicles (2023)."

Initial designs showed a Solar PV Canopy and battery surrounded by 28 charging bays with a mix of size and charging speeds. Electricity for the EV chargers will be provided by Solar Photovoltaic (PV) arrays mounted on canopies covering up to 128 parking spaces.

The cash is coming from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot, when the government announced £56m in public and industry funding for increasing EV chargepoints across the country.

In March 2024, Rotherham Council's Cabinet approved a Public Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy which sets out how the Council intends to improve the infrastructure network throughout the Borough and ensure a network which meets expected demand by 2040. This introduced a number of targets such as 95% of residences to be within 1.5 miles of a publicly available charge point by 2030 and 95% of residences within a ten-minute walk (or 800 meters/ approximately 0.5 mile) of a publicly available charge point by 2040.

The strategy followed on from Rotherham being allocated £231,582.44 to install priority charge points and an additional £112,077.76 to spend according to local need. South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) allocated £1.85m from the Government ‘Getting Building Fund’ to promote Electric Vehicle (EV) uptake across the region.

The Council expected to pass 100 public charging bays during 24/25 but admitted that vandalism and cable theft is a significant challenge. A 2024 report showed that the targeting of Rapid chargers due to their cables has meant that at one time all three sites of Rapid chargers (providing 9 bays) in Council ownership were out of action.

The authority pledged that where there is a high risk of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, that only Fast chargers are installed as a temporary measure. Fast chargers are less expensive to maintain and do not have external cables which are often vandalised, removed and sold for scrap.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: Rotherham retail development reaches practical completion with Tesco first to open

Olive Lane, Harworth’s brand new retail development at its flagship site at Waverley in Rotherham has reached practical completion with just over 80% of units under offer or let.

The urban shopping and leisure development on Highfield Spring, part of Harworth’s complete redevelopment of the former mining site, totals 11 retail units and a medical centre and will serve the current community of more than 2,500 residents and around 1,700 homes, expected to rise to 8,000 people and more than 3,000 homes by 2029.

Rothbiz reported last month on the current Olive Lane occupier line up that includes a Medical Centre, the recently opened Tesco, Waverley Community Centre, Specsavers, Little Olives Nursery, Karobar Indian restaurant and Hall Court Vets.

Three units of 1,420 sq ft remain to let, with advanced interest in one.

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Kitty Hendrick, from the Sheffield office of Knight Frank, which is marketing the site, said: “Olive Lane is a really positive story, not only for the Waverley community but for the region.

“We are now just over 80% under offer / let and the units have only just reached Practical Completion, which proves that there is strong demand for retail units in the region, and limited availability.

“We have secured a mix of national and local independent retail and F&B occupiers, including Tesco, and look forward to seeing the scheme up and running once tenants have fitted out.

“There will be something for everyone at Olive Lane and we envisage the scheme to be very popular with high footfall once open.”

Michael Jameson, Senior Asset Manager at Harworth said: “Harworth is delighted to bring Olive Lane to life, a development which will become the new mixed use heart of the Waverley Community. Creating places where people want to live and work is at the heart of what Harworth do and we’re confident that Waverley and Olive Lane delivers on that aim. We hope local residents and workers will enjoy all the amenities the high street has to offer, and are sure the scheme will be a huge success and really bring the community together.”

Plans were approved for the scheme in 2023. It is a scaled back development, much reduced compared to previous iterations.

Waverley website
Harworth website

Images: Knight Frank / Harworth

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News: Council explains why Forge Island food deals fell flat

The leader of Rotherham Council has explained why pre-let agreements secured for the Forge Island development failed to materialise.

Forge Island is the town centre's new landmark leisure destination being delivered by Rotherham Council in partnership with Muse. The £47m development includes an 8-screen boutique cinema operated by The Arc Cinema, a 69-roomed Travelodge Hotel as well as food outlets which are yet to open.

Work began on site in November 2022 after Rotherham Council agreed to fund the regeneration scheme itself when the the funding available its delivery partner, Muse, "significantly reduced" due to the volatility of the financial markets.

Rothbiz reported first last year that food operators "have not been able to bring forward" outlets that had originally signed up for the development.

Cllr. Chris Read discussed the deals at a recent council meeting. He said: "Look, what we had with those food & beverage units on Forge Island was a pre-let agreement with largely one company, one umbrella company, who were bringing forward at least four of those units. That company got into financial difficulties - a challenging business situation - perhaps a year after they'd signed that pre-let agreement with us. They looked at a number of options to try and bring forward some of those units but ultimately they were not in a position to do that.

"I'm afraid there's a kind of brute commercial reality that, at times, private businesses will not be able to make the investments that they hoped to be able to make and that they planned to make.

"We want to see those units occupied. We want to see, more importantly, the development be a thriving commercial success and generating more footfall and success for the rest of the town centre, as we are sure it will."

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A triple-header deal was signed with Thistle Group in 2022 who planned to bring Casa Peri Peri, Estabulo Rodizio/Sakku Samba as a dual-branded concept, and Caffé Noor. After the deal fell through, Loungers plc and Sygnature Dish have stepped in to take units, with three still remaining empty.

The actual final cost of the Forge Island project is not yet known as part of the budget includes a contribution towards the fit out of the units. It is still expected that it will be completed within the £47.4m budget agreed by Cabinet.

When asked about council budgets being used to continue the regeneration of Rotherham town centre, Cllr. Read said: "By and large, the majority of that regeneration money for the town centre is externally funded resources - money that comes from elsewhere - it is therefore money that is intended for regeneration purposes.

"I think it is very hard to make a case, and I think actually people would be baffled by it, that you should redirect those regeneration schemes into a village outside the town centre and say for example: "We've decided to build a cinema and restaurant units and we are going to do that in the Todwick village." I think people would find that a bit of a challenge to understand why that was.

"When we asked people [in the budget consultation] their one wish for the future of the borough? Their single top answer was the continued regeneration of the town centre. So that’s what we’re going to do. That is a task that we are undertaking, in a really prudent way, bringing in investment to do it, and it takes up a tiny, tiny proportion of money spent right across the borough."

Forge Island website

Images: Sakku Ltd

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News: Rotherham United accounts show reliance on ASD Lighting

The overall operating losses at Rotherham United increased to £1.7m for the year ended June 2024 and the newly published accounts highlight the importance of sponsors, primarily the fellow subsidiary company, ASD Lighting PLC.

Rothbiz reported this week on the 2023/24 losses which compare to the loss before tax of £1.1m in the previous year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier. Last season, the Millers set out a playing budget which marked the highest set in the club’s history to combat other teams that had recently been in the Premier League and others benefitting from parachute payments or significant overseas investment but the season culminated in relegation to League One.

Turnover, including income from player trading, was £19.2m compared to previous season of £15.7m. The accounts confirm that income from player trading was £2.5m which includes fees for key players such as Viktor Johansson, Ben Wiles and Georgie Kelly.

Commercial income increased by 3% to £3.2m, compared to £3.1m in the previous season and Rothbiz has previously reported on ASD Lighting PLC continuing to provide £1m in sponsorship to the club into 2024. Rotherham United's accounts also confirm the previously reported group loan from ASD Lighting Plc of £5.2m.

Both ASD Lighting PLC and Rotherham United have ASD Lighting Holding Limited as their parent company, connected by Tony Stewart, the founder of ASD Lighting and the man who saved the Millers in 2008. The businessman brought them out of administration and has overseen promotions, cup success and a move to a new stadium in town, at the same time as a period of sensible financial management, not something always shared by fellow league clubs.

A statement from Rotherham United reaffirmed "to our supporters that the Chairman and Board’s desire to succeed burns as brightly as ever, despite the challenges we have been required to navigate over recent seasons."

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Clubs like Rotherham also rely on "Central Funding" from the English Football League and solidarity payments from the Premier League. Central Funding increased from £8.5m the previous season to £9.2m due to maintaining Championship status.

Football income from season tickets, gate receipts and prize money increased from £2.6m to £2.9m (up 11.7% year on year) but merchandising income (including relail, websile, programme and car park revenue) remained around the same at £836k with income from media reducing from £435k to £357k due to less TV coverage during the season.

Outgoings increased again with the cost of sales increasing by 11.7% from £14.7m to £16.4m "due to increased Championship wage pressures and match day operational costs."

Administration costs (including profit from disposal of assets) went up by over £2m to £4.5m, increasing from £2.1m with the club saying that this was "mainly due to restructuring cost, pitch repairs and increased utility costs."

The accounts also add: "Although the company had significant net liabilities at 30 June 2024 the directors have prepared cash flow forecasts for the next 12 months which show that the company can continue to trade as a going concern but it must continue to rely upon the support of sponsors, in particular its fellow subsidiary company ASD Lighting PLC to enable it to do so."

The football club continues to pay close to £1m a year in rent to R U Estates Ltd, another connected company, which itself has a £12m, ten year loan from ASD Lighting.

Rotherham United are playing host to The Price of Football Live at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Monday April 28 giving local fans of football the chance to gain insight into finances across the pyramid from industry expert Kieran Maguire.

RUFC website

Images: RUFC

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News: More micropubs in Rotherham

Rotherham's thirst for micropubs continues with new openings and plans being put forward for new venues and expansion.

At the end of 2024, a new bar / bistro opened in a parade of units in the heart of Ravenfield.

The Longbar's licensee has previously held licences for the Yellow Lion in Greasbrough and the Effingham Arms in Rotherham town centre.

The venue was designed to be a café/coffee shop and deli during the daytime and a small wine bar in the evening, with seating for 38 persons and is described as "a venue that local clientele can walk to and enjoy food and drink in a “high end establishment”".

In securing the alcohol licence, David Marshall explained: "During the day the premises will operate as a café, providing a warm and friendly environment for local people to get together and enjoy a coffee or a bite of lunch. The plan for the evening operation is to create a small, sophisticated bistro, a place where people will want to dress up to visit and enjoy a classy upmarket environment."

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At Brecks, planning is underway for a new venture aiming to create a vibrant local venue for quality coffee, craft ales, and social interaction.

A planning application has been submitted that would enable "Barrel & Bean" to take over an empty unit on Wickersley Road.

If approved, the change of use plans involve converting a vacant dental training centre into a combined coffee shop and craft ale bar.

The applicant, Anthony Marples, explains: "The idea for Barrel & Bean originated in 2024 during a golfing trip among eight friends who envisioned a local craft ale bar providing quality cask and keg ales in a relaxed setting. This vision expanded to include high-quality coffee, teas, and cakes, leading to the name "Barrel & Bean."

"Seeking an ideal location, the group identified the vacant premises at 263 Wickersley Road, Brecks, which had remained unused for some time. Given the limited coffee shop and bar options in the area, this location presents an opportunity to create a vibrant social hub without necessitating extensive travel."

Plans have also been submitted that would enable The Rawmarsh Tap to relocate over the road from its current premises.

A change of use application is in for a former beauty salon on Kilnhurst Road.

Applicant, Clair Meigh, explained the issues with the current premises: "Having recently submitted a pre-planning application it has become apparent that my business does not hold the correct permissions unbeknown to me on purchase. I served 23 years in the Royal Air Force and I am Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualified, therefore I pride myself on honesty and integrity, and would like the opportunity to rectify this and prove that my little business causes no harm/disturbance to my neighbours.

"My customer base is aged 40+, who enjoy the low level, calm environment that my business provides, rather than the loud "Tap room" environment associated with local public houses. I do not anticipate this to change. I have carried out a customer survey and all my customers are in support of the move."

Longbar facebook page
Rawmarsh Tap facebook page

Images: Longbar / Rawmarsh Tap / facebook

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News: Acquisition part of Rotherham group's growth strategy

Nicholas Associates Group has completed the acquisition of Smart Temporary Solutions Limited, an established recruitment agency based in Hull.

Nicholas Associates Group is headquartered in Rotherham and the strategic move strengthens its presence in the blue-collar temporary recruitment sector and enhances its ability to deliver innovative workforce solutions to clients across the UK.

Smart Temporary Solutions has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality temporary and temporary-to-permanent staffing solutions within the blue-collar sector. Recognised for their forward-thinking approach, innovative technology, and expertise in placing skilled workers efficiently, their integration into Nicholas Associates Group will further enhance the services offered to clients.

The acquisition marks another significant milestone in a growth strategy and vision to be the UK’s market leading partner of choice for talent management solutions, from Apprentice to Boardroom, and reinforces a commitment to providing high-quality talent solutions across multiple sectors.

With a turnover exceeding £86m, brands include Apprentice Employment Agency, Graduate Career Solutions, Stafforce, Nicholas Associates, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, Main-Board, and Olano.

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Paul Smith, CEO of Nicholas Associates Group, said: “Smart Temporary Solutions has established an outstanding reputation in the blue-collar recruitment market. Their innovative approach and expertise complement our existing services, making this acquisition a natural fit. We are excited to welcome the Smart team into the Nicholas Associates Group brand family and look forward to working together to drive further success.”

David Kitney, Owner of Smart Temporary Solutions Limited, added: “After nearly five successful years building and leading Smart Temporary Solutions, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. It was important to me to ensure the business, our clients, and our employees would be in safe hands. Joining Nicholas Associates Group guarantees continued success under the leadership of a well-respected, national organisation. I look forward to seeing the business thrive as part of the NA Group.”

Stafforce is a key part of the group and last year opened seven new hubs across the UK.

On the move, Smith added: "This ambitious growth plan is a clear signal of our confidence in our potential to lead the market.

“With the full backing of our executive team, we are committed to driving this expansion forward, ensuring that we continue to deliver outstanding results for our clients while creating new opportunities for our employees and the communities we serve.”

Nicholas Associates Group website

Images: Nicholas Associates

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News: Football club on front foot over finances

Rotherham United Football Club has released a statement over its financial results for the year ended June 2024 - its relegation season from The Championship.

The proactive move comes before the results are published with Companies House.

Having made a loss before tax of £1.1m in the previous year when the club beat the odds to stay in the second tier, the Millers set out a playing budget which marked the highest set in the club’s history to combat other teams that had recently been in the Premier League and others benefitting from parachute payments or significant overseas investment.

The club say that for 2023/24 the overall operating losses increased to £1.7m, despite a rise in income.

Turnover, including that generated through player trading, increased by 22%, with a rise in commercial income of 3% also reported.

Rothbiz reported in January that in the latest accounts of Rotherham-based manufacturing firm, ASD Lighting PLC, Rotherham United Football Club is listed as a debtor owing £5.2m and that their £1m in sponsorship to the club continued in 2024.

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A statement from RUFC said: "Although the club were able to generate additional revenue during our stint in the Sky Bet Championship through revenue streams including media coverage, Season Ticket sales, corporate hospitality and merchandising, the financial landscape as a whole continued to undergo a transformation with other notable running costs significantly rising. Outgoings including pitch repairs and increased utility costs more than doubled in a holistically challenging season in 2023/24, while compensation agreements for departing staff also impacted the bottom line.

"The Board continues to meet regularly to discuss the long-term vision for the football club with our aims still firmly set on establishing Rotherham United as a second tier club.

"As always, we will continue to assess and critique our own internal practices but our recent history clearly outlines that that the club must operate using a model which sees promising young talent acquired for a relatively low cost to be developed and sold for a profit.

"Despite the losses shown in our accounts – and largely thanks to your support and that of our Chairman through his own personal investment and that of ASD Holdings – the club continues to be financially sustainable in an increasingly volatile industry.

"Safeguarding the long-term future of football in Rotherham will always be at the forefront of our priorities. The club is a notable employer within the town and we are pleased to have seen our staff base grow significantly over recent years despite the increase in operating losses, allowing us to offer opportunities to people within the local region that would not otherwise exist. Beyond that and with the help of our highly-successful Community Trust, our aims away from football continue to be centred around offering opportunities to people within the locality to experiences they may not otherwise be able to access."

Rotherham United are playing host to The Price of Football Live at AESSEAL New York Stadium on Monday April 28 giving local fans of football the chance to gain insight into finances across the pyramid from industry expert Kieran Maguire.

Rotherham United website

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News: Get up to Speed STEM event returns with 15th anniversary celebration

The highly anticipated Get up to Speed (GUTS) with STEM event returns this week with an exciting event celebration to mark 15 years of inspiring young minds.

As South Yorkshire’s largest STEM careers showcase, the two-day event will welcome up to 6,000 young people and educators to Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, offering hands-on experiences with around 100 exhibitors ready to provide a real-life insight into the world of STEM careers.

A highlight of this year’s event is the Big 15 Celebration evening on Thursday March 20 bringing together past supporters, industry leaders and educators. Hosted by Alex Gardner, the evening will feature live entertainment, including a magician and a live band performance by Uncle Stan, along with a two-course hot buffet and drinks on arrival. Guests can put their skills to the test on a racing simulator against Rowan Campbell’s lap time, enjoy giant Jenga, race on the giant track and more.

This year, for the first time, Get up to Speed will run over two days, with the first day dedicated to secondary school students (11-25 years) and the second day open to primary school students (aged 8-11 years) and SEND young people.

The first day kicks off on Wednesday March 19, with a Business Breakfast, the event being opened by Master Cutler Philip Rodrigo, followed by a line up of keynote speakers including Richard Caborn, who has been the President of The Work-wise Foundation since the start reflecting on the last 15 years, Rowan Campbell-Pilling, Sheffield’s upcoming F4 driver who will give a young person’s perspective on the world of motor racing today and Professor Ben Morgan, Interim CEO of ARMC, who will offer a glimpse into the next 15 years of STEM skills and development.

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After the Business Breakfast, attendees will be able to get a preview of the main GUTS exhibition and participate in hands-on activities with everything from United Cast Bar, casting metal to The UK Atomic Energy Authority, learning about Nuclear Fusion and much more before the doors open to schools and young people.

John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation which organises the event said: “We’re really excited about our 15th Get up to Speed event as we have so much planned! Not only are there more pupils involved and exhibitors than ever but we have some phenomenal speakers at our business breakfast and we expect to go out with a bang with our special anniversary celebration evening. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every visitor, business, supporter and colleague who has helped make Get up to Speed what it is today!”

Get up to Speed sponsors include AESSEAL, CBE+, Sheffield Forgemasters, Stream7 and The Worshipful Company of Ironmongers as gold sponsors, alongside silver sponsors including Dragonfly PR, Hydra Creative, Forged Solutions Group, The IET, The UK Atomic Energy Authority, Rowan Campbell Pilling F4 Driver and bronze sponsors, AMG Chrome, Ametek Land, Esh Construction, Vulcan to the Sky Trust, The Royal Navy, Element Materials Technology, Withers & Rogers LLP, Made in Sheffield and The UoS AMRC Training Centre.

The event provides businesses with a unique platform to connect directly with future talent, showcase their innovations and contribute to closing the STEM skills gap. Over the past 14 years, this interactive event has introduced more than 45,000 young people, parents and educators to exciting STEM career opportunities.

Get up to Speed website

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News: Developer helping Rotherham town centre to turn over a new leaf

A developer based in Rotherham that specialises in restoring listed buildings, creating residential and commercial spaces, has announced details of some exciting new projects for 2025, including a new spa and a golf-themed bar complete with a simulator setup.

The 2017 masterplan places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses, in continuing the regeneration of Rotherham town centre.

Branch Developments Ltd has been a pioneer in "bringing Rotherham back to life" with completed projects including the restoration of the former Post Office on Main Street and the boutique hotel created in the historic George Wright Building.

The family-run firm is keeping people up to date with latest projects via social media - including at the former theatre in Rotherham town centre that could be about to take centre stage again as a community arts and dedicated live music venue.

Rothbiz reported last month on the restoration of the Empire Building.

Another project involves converting an unused underground building next to the George Wright.

Rothbiz has reported on the property that was sold by Rotherham Council for £88,000. The car park, bought by the authority in 2020, sits between the boutique hotel and the former Primark building on the High Street. Also included within the proposed disposal area was the building below the car park, which includes a plant room at ground floor level and a large open plan basement area.

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Now work is underway at Snail Hill to create The Bunka and The Bath House.

The Bunka is described as: "an amazing and unique underground area offering the latest technology golf simulators with private VIP areas" with a cocktail bar and stonebaked pizzas.

The operators said on social media: "We will be coming soon to Rotherham town centre with the latest in golf simulation, tournament events and an in house local PGA professional coach!

"There will also be a sports therapist upstairs and a wellness spa, this is the ultimate town centre venue coming soon!"

The Bath House is described as an urban spa and therapy room based around the transformative power of hot tubs and spas.

Branch Developments has also announced that it is working on bringing a Fish & Chip Shop and an Oyster Bar Fish Restaurant to Rotherham town centre.

Branch Developments website

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News: Unnamed manufacturer in line for grant to support £21m investment in Rotherham facility

An unnamed manufacturer is preparing to invest in a £21.3m expansion project in Rotherham, backed by a £2m grant via the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

The support is connected to South Yorkshire's Investment Zone (IZ) status which is based around the region’s success in advanced manufacturing.

Primarily focused on connecting Sheffield to Rotherham (where the research assets such as The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) are already located), the zone is expected to create 8,000 new jobs and bring in £1.2bn worth of private investment by 2030.

IZ status provides South Yorkshire with up to £160m over ten years which can be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

The SYMCA board is being asked to approve the grant when it meets next week.

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Updated papers are restricted but set out: "This project seeks £2m grant towards total project costs of £21.3m at an intervention rate of 9%.

"Manufacturing is South Yorkshire’s largest sector, at 12.5% of the economy. It added £500m between 2015 and 2021 (a 15% increase), continues to attract investment from cutting-edge firms and boasts a number of worldclass innovation assets. The Sector employs 10.4% (60,000) of the SY working population.

"IZ002 [the company] is currently undergoing a major transformation which began in 2023 and is anticipated to complete by 2027, with particular focus on reducing operating costs.

"The Facility in Rotherham is a cutting-edge supplier of high-value castings. IZ0002 load & capacity planning forecasts a demand increase of 100% between 2024 and 2030, with existing factory capacity exceeded in 2026. The alternative to investing in the Rotherham Facility is to source the finalised parts from overseas suppliers."

SY Investment Zone website

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News: Rolls-Royce readying £21m investment in Rotherham facility

Rolls-Royce, one of the most famous names in engineering throughout the world, is preparing to invest in a £21.3m expansion project at its Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham.

The £110m facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham was officially opened in 2015 and is where turbine blades are manufactured for Rolls-Royce's world-leading aeroplane engines.

Following continued demand and thousands of engines on order, the firm is working on proposals to double the factory’s production capacity which is key to the manufacture of single crystal (SX) turbine blades.

With an initial capacity of 100,000 blades per year, it was always likely to increase to 200,000 when the pioneering manufacturing process had been proven.

The ABCF has a prime position within the South Yorkshire Investment Zone and so the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is looking to support Rolls-Royce with a grant, potentially up to £2m.

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Allthough SYMCA meeting papers do not name the beneficiary company, the information all points to Rolls-Royce.

Papers say: "IZ002 [the company] is currently undergoing a major transformation which began in 2023 and is anticipated to complete by 2027, with particular focus on reducing operating costs.

"The Facility in Rotherham is a cutting-edge supplier of high-value superalloy turbine blade castings. IZ0002 load and capacity planning forecasts a demand increase of circa 100,000 single crystal turbine blade castings per year between 2024 and 2030, with existing factory capacity exceeded in 2026. The investment proposal is for a £21.3m investment in the facility to double the factory’s production capacity.

"The proposal includes £18m of capital investment, primarily for tooling and precision machines, including adaptive robotic aerofoil finishing (the latest and most advanced manufacturing technology for this process)."

Investment Zone status provides South Yorkshire with up to £160m over ten years which can be used to offer investors, developers and start-ups a combination of targeted support and financial interventions to start, scale up and relocate their businesses.

In SYMCA budget papers, a "Rolls Royce - Expansion of blade manufacturing research and innovation" project has been given a total of £1.75m.

Rolls-Royce launched a bold, multi-year transformation programme in 2023 focusing on cost efficiency, commercial optimisation, and operational improvements. The company's underlying operating profit for the 2024 financial year was £2.5bn.

Rolls-Royce website

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News: Taiwanese takeover for award winning Rotherham firm

Government approval has been granted for the acquisition of Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield) Ltd (AML) by Walsin Lihwa Europe.

Originally a spin-out from the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield, AML is now recognised as a market leader in delivering flexible manufacturing capability at the leading edge of machining technologies and efficiencies, with particular expertise in aerospace, defence and energy components. Blue chip clients include Rolls-Royce and Siemens Energy.

The 100-strong team at Catcliffe in Rotherham was awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise Innovation in 2024.

Walsin Europe is set gain control of the qualifying entity by acquiring 38.8% of the shareholding in AML.

Walsin Lihwa is headquartered in Taiwain and is an industrial conglomerate with operations spanning wire & cable, stainless steel, and renewable energy. With over 20 production and sales sites across Greater China, Southeast Asia, and the U.S., Walsin products are widely used across industrial, automotive, oil and gas and consumer sectors. It acquired Sheffield-based Special Melted Products Ltd through its subsidiary, Cogne Acciai Speciali S.p.A, in 2023.

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Following a detailed national security assessment, the latest deal was approved with a number of conditions. The parties must meet certain operational requirements, including restrictions on the location of AML’s precision engineering capabilities and a requirement to retain certain existing operational activity in the UK.

Issues over confidential information, intellectual property and data storage. AML must also employ a Chief Security Officer, who must oversee and ensure compliance.

The government said that the conditions were to mitigate the risks to national security relating to "the security of UK know-how and intellectual property relating to the precision engineering of gas turbine engine components, access to which could lead to an uplift in adversaries’ capabilities; and "an interruption to the continuity of supply of precision-machining capabilities to United Kingdom defence programmes."

AML's King's Award win was in the innovation category and relates to the precision manufacture of complex aerofoil geometries for jet engines. The process begins with raw aluminium alloy bars, or forgings, being inspected and measured by the manufacturer before shipping.

AML website

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News: Future of former Rotherham cinema remains unknown

As a private developer gets to work on the interior of a former cinema building, across the town centre, Rotherham Council is preparing to improve the outside of the former cinema that it owns.

Rothbiz reported last month on plans to develop the Empire building into a multi-purpose community arts venue. The former cinema at the foot of Ship Hill, also known as the Essoldo building, is being brought back to life for the people of Rotherham with work underway uncovering period features inside. A new community interest company (CIC) has been formed for when the work is complete, hopefully by the end of 2025.

Having looked at the same building, Rotherham Council has switched its focus to the Alma Tavern, which the authority owns, as a potential live music venue, backed by £4.5m of government funding.

And Rotherham Council also owns the former Regal Cinema on Corporation Street. The authority bought the art deco building after it closed as Mecca Bingo. The 2022 deal was made "as part of the Council’s Regeneration Programme. The property will contribute to the further regeneration of the Leisure & Cultural Quarter" with Rothbiz previously reporting on the council's considerations for a new theatre and arts space in Rotherham town centre.

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At the former Mecca Bingo, plans have been submitted for the first phase of restoration.

Rotherham Council plans explain that the proposal is for the: "repainting of the exterior of 2 Corporation Street, a Grade II Listed building, to more sympathetic and historically appropriate colours, in order to preserve and enhance its architectural integrity, while maintaining its significance.

"This will contribute to the long-term preservation of the building’s character and enhance its contribution to the local built environment, while a longterm sustainable use is sought."

The plans add that the current paintwork is dated and in some cases has faded, flaked off and is inappropriate in relation to the building’s original design.

The Mecca blue will be replace by soft, muted shades of cream and light brown/mushroom colours.

At ground floor level the sheet metal protecting the building is also set to be improved.

The plans state: "We understand and appreciate the unique character of this iconic Art Deco cinema, a building that stands as a testament to a bygone era of elegance and style.

"The building is pending it’s future use and currently secured at ground level with sheet metal. With aims to reflect the cinematic grandeur and glamour of the original building signatures, which are exhibited in the existing windows and doors a vinyl treatment will be applied to the metal shutters to create the illusion of the original windows and entrances. Where original cinematic posters would have been displayed interchangeable advertising will again be displayed."

At the end of 2021, Rothbiz revealed that a campaign to save the former Regal Cinema had been successful with the site now protected by Grade II listed building status. This meant that earlier proposals from Sunshine Homes Ltd to erect a new residential building consisting of 45 dwellings and three ground floor commercial units was withdrawn. The plans would have involved knocking down the art deco building as converting the existing property was found to be not a viable proposal.

The property has since been added to the council's own heritage at risk register.

Images: Google Maps / RMBC

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News: Council to grant further funding for Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture

Rotherham Council has selected which regeneration projects and programmes it would like to see receive funding this year, including the Children’s Capital of Culture idea and grant support for local businesses, especially those in town centres.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is a Government-allocated fund which is intended to reduce inequalities between communities, as part of the previous Government’s wider “levelling up” agenda. The borough's allocation of £7.2m over three years from April 2022 is a figure much less than the borough has previously used for regeneration through European Union funding pots.

The cabinet at Rotherham Council are set to discuss plans later this month for the £3.28m for 2025/26, a transitional year allocation.

£945,256 is for business support, including funding to continue Launchpad, Productivity, and Low Carbon initiatives to help entrepreneurs and businesses to develop their business ideas and boost productivity.

Shop Unit Business Grants are set to return to enable businesses to improve shop units in the town centre and on other local high streets. Grants up to £25,000 will be for capital expenditure, including internal and external refurbishment, accessibility improvements or fit out. £60,000 has been set aside for enhancing the operation of the outdoor market during the current redevelopment.

Building on Rotherham Council's social value efforts on procurement, another £137,667 will be used to extend support and events to help more local companies secure tenders.

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Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture is set to receive further funding with £275,000 for the extension of the successful traineeship programme, with young people gaining invaluable paid work experience through placements with local cultural organisations. £200,000 would be spent on marketing to support the communications and reach of the festival year.

Rotherham is branding itself as the world's first Children's Capital of Culture in 2025. The move is part of a cultural strategy with an action that is described as highlighting Rotherham as "a place people want to visit, where everyone can enjoy Rotherham through the eyes, ears and actions of children and young people."

£4.2m is set to be spent on the festival programme in Rotherham this year and organisers have estimated that it will attract external funding in the region of £13.9m.

Linked to the Children’s Capital of Culture, £255,000 has been budgeted for a wide-ranging programme of events and festivals including Rotherham Show and the UPLIFT skate festival and Signals music events in Rotherham town centre.

£444,985 is in the plans for a skills programme incorporating Ambition (support for children and young people), Core Skills (community-delivered basic skills training), and Advance (support for career progression) with £359,549 for community-based support, including local advice sessions and engagement events and £86,000 for Active Lives, providing match funding for a multi-use games area.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is crucial for supporting our local businesses, enhancing skills, and enriching community life. It enables us to fund grass-root projects and activities that have a real impact in our communities and on our residents’ lives. We are committed to ensuring that these projects deliver real benefits for the people of Rotherham."

The Government said that the future of the UKSPF from 2026-27 will be a matter for the next Spending Review.

Images: Rotherham Children’s Capital of Culture

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News: McLaren makes a revolutionary leap in composites at Rotherham tech centre

Building on over 40 years of carbon fibre innovation, McLaren has unveiled a world-first in supercar engineering: aerospace-derived Automated Rapid Tape (ART) carbon fibre. And it has been developed in Rotherham.

The manufacturer opened the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in 2018 on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP), which is in Rotherham. The £50m investment was made in developing and manufacturing the future of lightweighting technology.

The latest revolutionary leap in composites uses precision manufacturing techniques from the aerospace industry to create carbon fibre structures that are even lighter, stiffer, and stronger, while reducing waste by up to 95%. It is a world-first application of a cutting-edge and highly specialised manufacturing process in the automotive sector.

The first model to feature this advanced material is the McLaren W1 – where ART carbon integrated into the active front wing delivers a 10% boost in stiffness to help enable the car’s extraordinary aerodynamic performance.

The aerospace industry uses ultra-precise manufacturing methods to build highly tailored carbon fibre structures for the latest generation of air jetliners and fighter aircraft, particularly for large, crucial parts such as aircraft fuselage and wings. This is achieved via the robotic depositing of composite tapes to layer structures, over traditional hand layup using pre-impregnated materials. And it is a rapid pace, ‘high rate’ version of this production method that McLaren has developed and now integrated into its manufacturing capabilities at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Rotherham.

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Completely revolutionising the aerospace industry method of using robotic arms to layer composite tapes, McLaren’s Automated Rapid Tape method instead employs a specially designed machine using a fixed deposition head and a rapidly moving bed capable of rotation, which unlocks a faster manufacturing process suitable for automotive purposes and high-rate composites manufacturing.

Joe Elfort, plant director at the McLaren MCTC, said: "It means we can make the material as strong as possible where it needs to be and as light as possible where it can be. Think of it like human skin - it can be thin and flexible like your eyelids but also strong and durable like your elbows.

"With this new technology we've taken an aerospace scale manufacturing process and enhanced the rate capability so that it becomes viable for a supercar component. What's really unique is we can very accurately control the directionality of the strength the stiffness and the flexibility which allows us to optimise the design for the highly loaded and complex components like you see in the aerodynamic devices of the W1.

"Landmark supercars like W1 always usher in the next big technology trickle down. This is only the beginning of a remarkable new era in lightweight supercar engineering and performance."

The advantages Automated Rapid Tape technology can deliver in terms of manufacturing time and reduced costs creates the possibility of greater use of carbon fibre, in more areas of a vehicle. Looking beyond the carbon tub, wider use of ultra-lightweight body panels constructed of McLaren ART carbon fibre become more feasible and cost effective.

The Artura is McLaren’s first model to be built on all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) that was developed in Rotherham. The latest advancement now unlocks immense possibilities for the next generation of carbon fibre architectures. Integrating ART technology into the structure of an ultra-lightweight, ultra-strong carbon fibre tub – manufactured with minimal waste material generation - that can underpin the next-generation of McLaren supercars is already under consideration.

McLaren website

Images: McLaren

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News: HMO plans for former Rotherham bank refused

Plans to convert a former Rotherham bank into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) have been turned down by Rotherham Council.

In the Parkgate area of the borough, Yorkshire Bank announced the closure of its Broad Street branch back in 2016. Since then it has been in commercial use, operating as a clearnace store and carpet shop.

In 2024, applicant, D. Hoti, submitted plans seeking a change of use from Class E to Sui Generis in order to provide 17 bedsits and communal facilities. The plans included proposals to extend the first floor over the existing flat roof area and the refurbishment and alterations included additional windows at ground floor and rooflights in the mansard roof. An external fire escape was also proposed.

In response, the council's planning policy team said that the site is allocated for retail purposes in the Local Plan and so residential would not normally be supported at ground floor level wheras residential use above ground floor level would be acceptable in this location.

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The property, on a busy street, is classed as being in a Secondary Shopping Frontage where shops, financial and professional services, restaurants and cafés, drinking establishment uses, non-residential institutions and assembly and leisure at ground floor level are generally supported.

Planners also state that there is the potential for noise disturbance to the future occupiers of the proposed HMO and environmental health colleagues indicated that they would require the submission of a noise impact assessment of all significant noise sources likely to affect the proposed development including road traffic noise from the A633.

The planner's report concludes: "The principle of development hereby proposed is not acceptable in this location and would be in direct conflict with relevant adopted Local Plan policies. Furthermore, no noise assessment has been submitted to enable a full assessment of any impact of noise sources on future occupants."

Images: Google Maps

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