News: Plans for two new tenants at Rotherham retail development

QFM Group, the Sheffield-based developer and operator of a number of fast food franchises, has submitted plans to kickstart a site in Rotherham.

The group is one of the largest franchise companies in the UK and was founded in 1982 when it opened its first restaurant in Sheffield. It now has a chain of quick service restaurants and is continuing to grow with a current expansion programme.

Rothbiz reported back in 2018 on plans for new premises close to The Tanyard shopping centre in Wickersley.

Planning permission was secured and KFC opened in Wickersley in 2021 in the building that was formerly used by Tirobaggi, an online supplier of quality handbags and accessories, and Edward Healy & Sons, a provider of shoe repair materials.

Having encountered parking issues, the KFC has since closed and plans to add a Costa to the site were never carried out.

Now a new planning application has been submitted to Rotherham Council that would enable a Dunkin Donuts outlet and a new concept gym to open alongside the existing, but closed, 1,615 sq ft KFC.

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The proposal is to subdivide the existing Class E unit at the rear to form a third unit, "including amendments to the arrangement of doors, glazing and windows to suit the revised occupier." Plans state that there is no increase in floorspace, no changes to the existing KFC, no alteration to the approved use class of the premises and no changes to access, parking or servicing arrangements.

With entrances facing Fairways and the Tanyard, plans show that a 1,399 sq ft Dunkin would sit next to KFC with the third 706 sq ft unit set to be occupied by J.I.M - Joy In Movement.

If approved, opening hours would be 5am to midnight.

J.I.M - Joy In Movement is the UK’s first fully automated infrared fitness studio. The new concept involves "30-minute, low-impact classes in 40° heat, set to fresh DJ-produced beats, designed to help people sculpt, stretch, strengthen, and feel good in their bodies."

The Australian firm opened its first studio in 2023 and now has 35 studios. It signed a franchise deal to expand to the UK and is targeting ten studios in the next 12 months, with 100 the target over the next five years.

Rothbiz reported last month on QFM's plans to open a J.I.M branch, alongside KFC, Taco Bell and Dunkin at its Eastwood development.

QFM brought the franchise to Sheffield earlier this year and is rolling it out across the UK. It offers 100+ classes per week and is open 365 days a year - designed to fit real life.

The state of the art infrared technology helps create a detoxifying sweat that stimulates blood circulation, improves flexibility, and accelerates weight loss. Each J.I.M. class offers short and effective workouts that incorporate aspects of popular and effective exercise methods, such as Pilates, Yoga and Functional Training.

Dunkin Donuts website
Joy In Movement website

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News: Whitestone - the £600m planned investment in Rotherham that would create just 39 long term jobs

Planning documents for one of the largest solar farms in the country have been published - all 159 of them.

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Whitestone has been given a cost estimate of between £500m and £600m. It is being promoted by Green Nation but operates under Net Zero One Ltd.

Initial consultation documents from Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites that are included in the proposed solar farm development are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A three month pre-examination stage has now begun looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage. This next stage is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

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Documents include numerous environmental statements on things like Landscape and Visual Impact (LVIA), contaminated land and transport, plus outline strategies for landscape and ecology management, surface water drainage and Public Right of Way (PROW) management.

However, much of the details are not yet known. Developers want to "maintain flexibility in the design" and instead specify parameter ranges, including details of the maximum, and minimum, size (footprint, width, and height, technology,) and locations of the different elements of the proposed development.

Plans also show that the developers are enacting a compulsory acquisition of land.

Applicants also say that they are proposing a large scheme due to its bulk generation potential and connection to the national grid that means that benefits are felt more widely. It discounts brownfield and rooftop sites due to thier unsuitability and related "ownership, occupation, and upkeep" issues.

On employment, planning documents say that: "During construction, it is anticipated that there would be 1,616 FTE jobs created as a result of direct, indirect and induced employment opportunities and that 538 of these would be from the local Study Area. Once operational, impacts on local labour market arising from operational and maintenance jobs would be more limited but still present, with 39 FTE direct, indirect and induced jobs created."

Promoters of the scheme, which they want to operate for 60 years, say that the proposed development is located on "grey belt land because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes" but go on to say that "even if this position is not accepted, there are Very Special Circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm identified in terms of the five Green Belt purposes."

The applicants conclude: "The significant need for low carbon electricity generation infrastructure to meet the government’s decarbonisation objectives, and wider environmental benefits of the proposal, including the significant increase in BNG and creation of new permissive paths locally, would outweigh any harm identified to the Green Belt."

Rotherham Council does not agree that the site is "grey belt" stating that "this part of the Borough performs an important strategic and local function as open countryside in a relatively densely populated area, helping to maintain separation between settlements, prevent encroachment into the countryside and preserve a sense of openness."

Rotherham Council and the local MPs have raised issues with the scheme's consultation.

Rothbiz has detailed the issues raised by Rotherham Council with the Whitestone proposals.

Whitestone website

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News: Rotherham Council raises issues with Whitestone solar proposals

Rotherham Council's issues with a massive solar farm proposed in the borough have been published.

Plans have moved to the next stage for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Local councils are statutory consultees for NSIPs and a report on Rotherham Council's issues with the proposals has been published with the application documents.

At the earlier stage, the council has commented on 18 separate issues. Proponents of the scheme, Green Nation, address how the latest submission relates to the earlier issues raised.

On the use of Green Belt land, Rotherham Council set out that the solar farm conflicts with the Rotherham Local Plan and national policies, in that "the development would introduce substantial built form and industrialising features into land intended to remain open and to safeguard the setting and separation of settlements."

In response, promoters of the scheme say that the proposed development is located on "grey belt land because the site does not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes" and go on to say that "even if this position is not accepted, there are Very Special Circumstances that clearly outweigh any harm identified in terms of the five Green Belt purposes."

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Rotherham Council has also raised issue with the loss of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land which it says is "valuable not only because of its productive capacity for food and other crops, but also because it forms part of a finite soil resource and supports the long-term resilience of rural land use within the Borough."

Applicants argue that the scheme is set to operate for 60 years so any loss is temporary.

On the issue of lifespan, Rotherham Council has raised the issue of the 60 year timescale given that national policy is 40 years. The council said: "Even if the development is technically reversible at the end of its life, the Council considers that reversibility after 60 years substantially reduces the practical weight that can be attached to "temporary" effects in the planning balance.

The council adds that the operation is likely to span more than one generation and that a more nuanced approach would be needed, It said that the "applicant has not yet demonstrated why a 60-year operational life is justified."

Applicants say that in "recent decisions the Secretary of State has confirmed that the 60- year consent lifespan is ""temporary and reversible for the majority of the land.""

Concern has also been raised relating to the "scale, concentration and persistence of significant landscape and visual effects", particularly the impact on settlements such as North Anston, Wickersley, Ulley and Harthill, and various public rights of way and recreational routes. Issues have also been raised with the submitted Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA).

Rotherham Council is also concerned about the harm to the setting of heritage assets and have asked for a robust assessment of setting impacts, including cumulative effects.

The authority is also unhappy with the inclusion of the Local Wildlife Site at Brampton Common within the limits of the scheme. Though applicants say that it is "not being managed to achieve the objectives for which it was designated," a strategy for enhancements has been drafted.

On Biodiversity Net Gain, a way of creating and improving natural habitats, Rotherham Council said that "expressing an intention to achieve a 10% minimum gain does not go far enough." BNG is not currently a legal requirement for NSIPs but applicants say that updated plans show that BNG metrics have calculated that area habitat units would see a 42.52% gain, hedgerow units, a 44.47% gain, and watercourse units, a 10.11% gain.

Rotherham Council has also raised concerns regarding the suitability and capacity of the proposed substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) location, along with issues regarding highways, drainage, glint and glare effects arising from solar panels, noise, and how the proposed cable corridor would interact with areas of landfill and potentially contaminated land.

Rotherham Council will now need to digest the 159 planning documents published with the application.

A three month pre-examination stage has now begun looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage. This next stage is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies, and people whose land is directly affected, can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

At the examination stage Rotherham Council will submit a Local Impact Report (LIR) which the Inspector must consider.

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News: Micropub plan for Rotherham village retail parade

A unit in a popular Rotherham retail parade could be swapping pasties for pints, if plans are approved.

A long-standing bar nearby is also planning a revamp.

Rothbiz reported in February that British bakery chain, Greggs, was expanding at The Tanyard in Wickersley, taking on the former Peter Cusworth Butcher's shop, which closed following retirement, to create a bakery and cafe.

With the new store now open, this meant that 236 Bawtry Road was left empty.

Now a licencing application has been made that would bring the old Gregg's back to life.

Jaxx Irish Bar Limited has applied for the sale by retail of alcohol and the provision of late night refreshment, plus the performance of live music and any playing of recorded music.

Documents show that the opening hours requested are Monday to Wednesday 16:00 to 22:30, Thursday 16:00 to 23:00, Friday 14:00 to 00:00, Saturday 12:00 to 00:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 22:00.

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In 2023, Rotherham Council's cabinet approved the continuation of a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the popular Wickersley area.

A statement of licensing policy was approved in 2020 as the council is responsible for licensing the sale of alcohol, hot food and various events. It included a Cumulative Impact Policy which detailed that an area of Wickersley village would become a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Policies are introduced if the authority considers that the number of licensed premises within a defined area is at such a level that the granting of further licences would be inconsistent with the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The zone was introduced to combat "problems surrounding anti-social behaviour, low-level crime, public nuisance including noise and ambulance related alcohol call outs in a mainly residential area."

The Council has been keen to make clear that the policy does not create a ban on the grant of licenses within Wickersley but an applicant "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

Also in Wickersley, The Olive Lounge has recently applied for planning permission for an extension.

Plans show a single storey glass extension to the front facing Bawtry Road that would take the venue from 2,799 sq ft to 3,552 sq ft.

Last year, The Olive Lounge was taken over by the operators of its near neighbours, The W Bars Team that are part of the same group that opertates the W Italian Restaurant.

Images: Rightmove

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News: Whitestone solar plans accepted by Government

Plans to build one of the largest solar farms in the country have moved a step forward - it would cover 1,169 hectares of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster.

Rotherham Council and the three local MPs have all raised issues with the application.

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Having assessed application documents, the Government's Planning Inspectorate has now accepted an application for an order granting development consent.

A three month pre-examination stage will now begin looking at the issues which will need to be discussed at the examination stage which is where the applicant, anyone who is registered to have their say, official bodies and people whose land is directly affected can comment on the proposed development or answer any of the questions at each deadline.

Rotherham Council has already made a representation stating that: "it has been made aware of an apparent failure to serve the requisite notice on the occupiers of Springvale Farm, Springvale House, Morthen House, and New Sycamore Farm. In the absence of evidence demonstrating that such service has been lawfully affected, the Council’s position is that the statutory consultation requirements may not have been fully satisfied."

Local councillors, parish councils and local residents have raised insues over the quality and effectiveness of the consultation.

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John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisborough says that the consultation has been "fundamentally flawed" adding that each of the three sites are seperate.

The MP said: "Residents do not experience the same local impacts across these three areas, and no reasonable observer would describe them as one contiguous or coherent site.

"Instead of respecting the different communities and recognising each of the three schemes should be subject to a separate consultation, Whitestone has lumped the schemes together in a single consultation. No doubt this is for convenience and to cut costs, but aggregating the three schemes deprives communities of a proper consultation and fails to fully discharge Whitestone's obligation under the act."

Jake Richards, MP for Rother Valley, said: "Each of the three schemes exceeds the threshold for a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and therefore requires a robust, standalone consultation. Whitestone's decision to amalgamate them appears to prioritise administrative convenience and cost-saving over compliance with the Act [The Planning Act 2008] and over meaningful engagement with residents."

The MPs are asking the Government's chief planner to assess the the adequacy and validity of the Whitestone consultation.

Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "Should this be found to be inadequate, I would urge you to ensure that proper, detailed consultation, which recognises the unique impacts across the three separate schemes, is undertaken prior to any planning application moving forward."

Applicants are hoping for a decision on the plans in Autumn 2027.

Whitestone website

Images: Pexels / Adrinil Dennis

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News: South Yorkshire Mayor: "Whitestone is the wrong scheme"

Oliver Coppard, the mayor of South Yorkshire says that he is convinced that plans for a massive solar farm that could take up acres of green belt land in Rotherham "is the wrong scheme."

Rothbiz reported last year on early stage plans being updated for Whitestone Solar Farm - a generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Initial consultation documents from solar developer Green Nation showed that vast areas of agricultural land in Rotherham and Doncaster, some safeguarded for the now-cancelled HS2 route, could make up the solar farm.

The northen site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

Following a second round of consultation, the plans have been updated again.

Proponents of the scheme say that the size of the scheme has been reduced significantly.

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An update reads: "We received more than 10,000 pieces of written feedback. We have now reviewed all of the feedback we received. Where the feedback applied to the masterplan, we have made a number of changes to address concerns.

"In response to feedback from two rounds of consultation and ongoing stakeholder engagement, the size of Whitestone has been reduced significantly. The final size is now 1,169 hectares (2,888 acres), which includes 691 hectares (1,707 acres) for solar and associated infrastructure and 637 hectares (1,181 acres) for environmental mitigation and enhancement. Compared to the initial masterplan, this is a reduction of 37% of the developable area and a reduction of 17% of the total size of the project."

Following a public meeting on the plans, Oliver Coppard said: "I went into the room with significant doubts about the scale of the development, and the huge cost it will impose on the local community. I left the meeting convinced that it is the wrong scheme, with huge flaws in the public consultation, the design and the delivery, and it should not be imposed here, in the heart of South Yorkshire.

"I’ll be taking away all the comments and questions that were raised tonight, and following up with all those who attended and are interested in what we might be able to do to mount an objection to the Whitestone Solar Farm.

"It’s not in my gift to stop the scheme, and I can’t promise that will be the eventual outcome, but I can promise to explore all of our options and to work with partners and our communities to raise our voices together, and to do what we can to make those voices heard."

Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it is applying for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

A DCO submission is expected in Spring 2026.

Whitestone Solar Farm website

Images: Whitestone Net Zero Limited

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News: Greggs planning Rotherham expansion

British bakery chain, Greggs, is on a roll in Rotherham with plans to double the size of its store in a popular village location.

A long-standing tenant at The Tanyard in Wickersley, Greggs specialises in great quality, freshly prepared food at low prices with friendly service.

With the butcher, Peter Cusworth, closing his store following retirement, Greggs has outlined plans to take on the units at 228-230 Bawtry Road to create a bakery and cafe.

Plans, drawn up by JML Planning Consultants, show that the 1,580 sq ft of space would also get a new shop frontage in the current corporate style.

Three tables and six chairs would make up an external seating area to the front.

Opening times would mirror the current store at 236 Bawtry Road - 6 am – 7 pm on weekdays, 6:30 am – 7 pm on Saturday, and 7 am – 5:30 pm on Sundays.

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Newcastle-based Greggs plc reported a record turnover exceeding £2 billion for the first time in 2024. In 2025 it reported "outperformance" with year-on-year gains in market share despite market conditions remaining challenging. 2,739 shops were trading by the end of the year (2,137 company-managed shops and 602 franchised units).

207 new shops opened in 2025, averaging four openings every week, with 50 relocations and 36 closures, resulting in 121 net new shop openings.

Greggs also recently reported a strong pipeline of shop opportunities, and said that it was expecting to open around 120 net new shops in 2026 with "a similar rate and profile of estate growth in carefully chosen locations."

Greggs website

Images: Greggs plc / Google Maps

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News: Is Marks & Spencer planning to return to Parkgate?

M&S is searching for new, bigger food store sites as it aims to double the size of its food business. A new "potential location list" contains two areas in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in 2019 that the national retailer was closing its large Parkgate store when it confirmed plans to close over 100 stores in total in order to "radically reshape M&S's Clothing & Home space" alongside relocations, conversions, downsizes and the introduction of concessions.

The historic retailer made the decision to relocate its store on College Street in Rotherham town centre to Parkgate Shopping in the early 2000's. M&S opened a Rotherham Simply Food store at Cortonwood, which is also in Rotherham, in 2017.

Following the performance of the new food stores opened in the last three years, M&S is now expanding the number of locations in its search for sites, including areas where there is not yet an M&S store. It is also looking to expand the size of its food stores to stock a fuller range and attract more customers to do their weekly shop.

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Out of London, M&S requires edge of centre and out of town locations for units of 21,500 sq ft that accommodate its new renewal format. It has 500 areas across the UK on a new potential location list.

In Rotherham, Wickersley and Cortonwood have been identified as target locations.

The current M&S unit at Cortonwood is 11,000 sq ft whereas Wickersley is without a large foodstore, although it is close to neighbouring Bramley which has a Morrisons and an Aldi.

At Parkgate, where the former M&S is now occupied by an 18,500 sq ft Poundland, a planning application has been approved for a new 20,000 sq ft unit designed for a food retailer.

The plans discussed that it will be a "national multiple food retailer" that will be the new tenants but no occupier has been named. An analysis of the current market submitted with the application by agents, Savills, stated that this size of store is popular with secondary foodstores including Waitrose, M&S and Co-op, and discount foodstore retailers including Aldi and Lidl.

Rothbiz recently reported that commercial property agents are now showing that The Food Warehouse is taking the former TUI unit at Parkgate.

M&S website

Images: M&S

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News: New operator for popular Rotherham tapas bar

A venue in Wickersley is under new management having been taken over by the operators of its near neighbours.

Based in the popular Rotherham suburb, The Olive Lounge serves authentic homemade tapas with quality wines, beers and original cocktails.

The W Bars Team have recently announced they have taken over The Olive Lounge.

The team are part of the same group that opertates the W Italian Restaurant on Bawtry Road. Formerly Don Guiseppe's, the warm and friendly restaurant also has a lounge bar area.

2018 plans were refused by Rotherham Council to change the use of the premises from a restaurant to a combined restaurant/drinking establishment, with planners concluding that the potential increase in the use of the premises as a bar could result in an unacceptable level of noise and disturbance for nearby residents.

Rotherham Council has a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the Wickersley area.

A post on social media reads: "We’re excited to share that The Olive Lounge Bar is now under new management! There’s a brand-new energy in the air — warm welcomes, friendly faces, and a focus on creating the kind of evenings Wickersley deserves. Expect great cocktails, smooth music, and a relaxed, stylish atmosphere to unwind in. Come join us for a drink, say hello, and be part of this exciting new chapter."

Last month Rothbiz reported on the changes at Wickersley, including Stems Floral Design moving to Bawtry Road.

The changes continue over the road on The Tanyard where long standing butcher, Peter Cusworth, closed the store following retirement.

Reeds Rains has also relocated its Rotherham branch from the town centre to The Tanyard at Wickerlsey, describing it as a strategic move and natural step that places the branch on the doorstep of the local community it serves.

The branch is owned by LSL Estate Agency Franchising partner, Favsco23 Ltd, who is the biggest Reeds Rains franchise operating across the North West and Yorkshire.

Jamie Knights, Regional Director at Reeds Rains Rotherham, said “We’re excited for our relocation to Wickersley where we will continue to serve our local community from our new branch with the same high-quality service they deserve, within a more accessible location. “It’s a modern and inviting space where we can continue to welcome our existing customers from across Sheffield and Rotherham. We’re looking forward to growing its presence in Wickersley and building even stronger connections.”

Olive Lounge website
Reeds Rains website

Images: Google Maps / Reeds Rains

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News: Stems puts down new roots in Rotherham

An established Rotherham florist is looking to blossom at new premises in the borough.

Stems Floral Design was established over 20 years ago, selling flowers, plants and homeware in Rotherham town centre. Having bloomed at a shop on Corporation Street, in 2019 it moved to new premises in All Saints Square.

Taking over the former Bows Women's clothes shop in Wickersley, Stems is now offering its floral gifts for all occasions, and also for funerals, weddings and celebrations, at the new location.

The new Bawtry Road store also stocks a gorgeous array of home interior and beautiful gifts, with wreath-making workshops planned for the run up to Christmas.

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Posts on social media described the move as an end of an era but the business was excited to make the move to Wickersley. A facebook post read: "We had just seven days to turn things around for the opening day, and we had plenty of glitches along the way. However we just about made it with the help of some wonderful people."

It is a changing time for Wickersley. Following the closure of Bows in June, another longstanding retalier on the same street, Carol Ann has also recently closed.

Carol, who is retiring, specialised in ladies designer fashion and accessories. She posted on facebook: "It’s been a privilege to serve you. To share in all your happy times and sometimes your sad times. I am overwhelmed by all of your kind words, the many cards and gifts. For everyone who has been brave enough to cross the threshold of my boutique and then been braver still to keep returning.Thank you.

"For all the fabulous women who have modelled for me and the army of helpers who have made it possible for me to just look good at my job. Thank you. Just remember… you are all beautiful…"

At 161 Bawtry Road, new signage has been been installed indicating that a new restaurant and lounge called Man'char is set to open in the former Chaudrys Restaurant unit.

Stems website

Images: Stems

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News: Second consultation for Whitestone solar plans

Developers behind the Whitestone Solar Farm are about to begin a second round of consultation after plans were updated.

Rothbiz reported in April on early stage plans being updated for a solar farm generating station with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW and connecting to the National Grid Brinsworth Substation in Rotherham.

Developers say that they have made "significant changes to the project design" to respond to the feedback received.

Updated documents explain that one fourth of the land (279 hectares / 689 acres) has been removed across the whole site that was included for solar development to create buffers around homes, villages and public rights of way near the project boundary. This has resulted in the removal or reduction of panels around the most sensitive community areas, particularly around residential dwellings.

Due to its size, Whitestone is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), which means that it needs a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise its construction, operation and decommissioning. The final decision on a DCO application will be made at the national level by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, rather than made locally by Rotherham and Doncaster Councils.

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A 450-page scoping report has been examined by the planning inspectorate which provided environmental information outlining the scope and methodology of the technical studies being conducted. It precedes a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The report confirms that the proposed development is being brought forward by Whitestone Net Zero Limited, owned by Net Zero One Limited but it is intended to be constructed, managed and operated by Green Nation.

A leaflet from the developers states: "The first round of consultation ran for 11 weeks, and included public events, meetings with parish councils and other stakeholders, and individual discussions with local residents. We received 940 pieces of written feedback, which we have reviewed and considered, to inform the updated design shown at this round of consultation.

"We are now holding our second consultation on the updated masterplan and draft Environmental Statement, which will help inform the proposals we submit in our DCO application next spring."

The northern site straddles the Rotherham and Doncaster border east of Hooton Roberts and north of Ravenfield.

Farmland adjacent to the M18 south of Bramley and Wickersley has also been identified to host thousands of solar panels, as has vast areas of fields either side of the M1 south of its junction with the M18. This includes sites near Ulley, Aston and Brampton, out towards North and South Anston, and the other way to land between Treeton and Whiston.

In the south of the borough, sites could be included in the solar farm development that are close to Kiveton Park, Harthill and Woodall.

The consultation will be carried out from September 16 to October 28 2025. A number of public information events have been scheduled for October.

Whitestone website

Images: Green Nation / Google Maps

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News: Plans in for Wickersley housing

A planning application has been submitted for another parcel of "safeguarded land" in Rotherham, this time a proposal for 136 houses on fields near Wickersley.

Rothbiz reported in June on land promoters, Richborough, preparing plans for land to the west of St Albans Way.

It is one of a number of proposed developments in Rotherham this year that are for sites in the local plan that were designated as safeguarded land rather than sites designated for housing. The 2018 plan set out that they may be needed in the future and taken out of the greenbelt after the end of the plan period in 2028.

Planning consultants are hoping to convince the local planning authority that the land should be used now to address the borough's housing needs.

The application site is 5.85 ha of currently open fields, behind Sorby Way and its recreation ground. The only vehicular access to the proposed new houses would be from St Alban’s Way. A non-vehicular connection is proposed to the adjacent public play and sports areas.

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The plans, drawn up by Sten Architecture and consultants, LSH, state: "The proposed development will be a viable and sustainable addition to the existing settlement and will deliver a high quality and well-planned residential development. There is the potential to produce new homes that are varied, meet housing needs, and provide high quality accommodation for a range of users."

Regarding local facilities and services, applicants say that the development would have strong links to Wickersley and local services and bus routes but do admit that "the variety of local services in the immediate proximity are somewhat limited and the larger town of Rotherham is a significant distance away."

At this stage, details of the houses are not discussed but applicants state that it would be a mix of dwellings that "will help to improve the tenure, size and type mix of the local area."

Plans add that on-site affordable housing would be included, equivalent to 25% or 34 dwellings.

A ponding area is planned in the south-west corner with an overland flow route through the centre of the site.

Richborough website

Images: Richborough / STEN / Google Maps

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News: Exagen submit plans for Rotherham solar farm

A planning application has been submitted for another solar farm on greenbelt land in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in March on Thurcroft Interchange Energy Park. and has previously reported 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.

Applicants Exagen Group have set out plans for a 49.9MW solar farm with a co-located 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) and substation on farmland between Wickersley and Morthen close to the M1/M18 interchange. The yearly output of the solar generation is predicted to equate to the electricity use of approximately 20,370 average UK homes per year.

Plans show three parcels of land totalling 103 hectares accomodating some 97,000 solar modules with a 40-year operational period and applicants say that any planning permission would be temporary and that there would be "no temporary or permanent loss of agricultural land" as the site will remain in active agricultural use, such as sheep grazing and arable cultivation.

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Plans state that the solar farm would result in a multipurpose use throughout the development’s lifetime - "simultaneously supporting agricultural activities, generating clean renewable energy, and delivering substantial biodiversity enhancements. At the end of the 40-year operational period, the land will be restored to its current land use and as a result there would be no loss of agricultural land.

"Over its 40-year lifespan, the solar farm will improve soil health by reducing erosion, restoring nutrients, and enhancing biodiversity. After decommissioning, the land will revert to full agricultural use, ensuring long-term benefits for farming and soil quality."

Landscaping and biodiversity enhancement is also included in the plans.

The application has already attracted a number of objections.

Jake Richards, Rother Valley MP, said: "While I fully support the Government's mission to expand clean, homegrown energy, including through solar generation, developments of this nature must be located and planned responsibly. This application cannot and should not be considered in isolation from the much larger Whitestone Solar Farm proposal.

"Whitestone is a nationally significant infrastructure project expected to span approximately 3,500 acres and generate 750 MW. Crucially, the site of this Thurcroft application falls within the wider area earmarked for Whitestone. It is unreasonable and misleading to assess the Thurcroft proposal as a standalone development."

Regarding Whitestone, Exagen say: "The application for a Development Consent Order not due to be submitted to the Secretary of State until summer 2026. At this stage, there is no confirmed site layout, design detail, or certainty regarding delivery. As such, the proposal is too speculative to be meaningfully assessed alongside the Thurcroft Interchange Energy Park."

Exagen website

Images: Exagen

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News: Next Rotherham greenbelt site targeted for housing

Plans are being prepared for houses on a greenbelt site in a village in Rotherham.

It is the fourth set of plans since the start of April for "safeguarded land" rather than land specifically allocated for residential use in the borough's local plan from 2018.

Rothbiz has recently reported on plans at Rawmarsh from Taylor Wimpey for 231 dwellings, Barratt David Wilson Homes submitting an outline planning application proposing up to 260 homes on land at Cumwell Lane, Hellaby and plans for 339 more dwellings at Moor Lane South and Lidget Lane in Bramley.

The latest proposals are from land promoters, Richborough, and are for land to the west of St Albans Way, Wickersley to provide up to 136 high-quality homes.

The 4.87 hectare site was designated as safeguarded land - a site that may be needed in the future and taken out of the greenbelt after the end of the plan period in 2028.

Planning consultants are hoping to convince the local planning authority that the land should be used now to address the borough's housing needs.

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The local plan stated that the site could be served from an extension of St Albans Way linking to Sorby Way but added that additional land is required to complete the link. The plan also noted that the landscape should provide a strong boundary to the greenbelt and also identified a risk of surface water flooding.

Consultants LSH are handling the consultation. They say: "The scale of the proposed development is sympathetic to the surroundings of the site and the adjacent settlement of Wickersley. It would help to support and retain the vitality of the settlement."

LSH added that it was a "highly sustainable location near to essential services and facilities to meet the requirements of future residents, such as healthcare and education provision, convenience goods, among others."

Early masterplans show access from St Albans Way, but not Sorby Way. A ponding area is planned in the south-west corner with an overland flow route through the centre of the site.

Plans add that on-site affordable housing would be included, equivalent to 25% or 34 dwellings.

It is anticipated that the planning application is likely to be submitted in June 2025.

The application will be submitted in outline, with the final layout, appearance and design to be finalised by a future Reserved Matters planning application.

Consultation website

Images: LSH / Richborough

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News: Where next for Lidl in Rotherham?

Having failed to secure planning permission for a new store in Swallownest and made little progress in Maltby, where else in Rotherham is the discount retailer targeting?

Lidl GB recently announced plans to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion, as the discounter moves forward with plans to open more than 40 new stores across the country this financial year.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the German global discount chain had withdrawn updated plans for a new 20,000 sq ft store on a site at Rotherham Road, Swallownest. Earlier plans were refused by Rotherham Council with members saying that it would have a detrimental impact on the Swallownest district centre.

In 2022 Lidl secured planning permission for a new store on the site of a former fire station and library in Maltby but a store is yet to open.

As part of its continued mission to provide all communities across the country with access to affordable, high-quality food, Lidl has published its 2025 site requirements brochure, outlining hundreds of potential locations for new stores – including high streets, retail parks, and mixed-use town centre sites.

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The updated list features a number of locations in Rotherham.

Locations for new stores include Rawmarsh and Wickersley / Bramley.

The retailer has also confirmed that it would like to relocate away from its current store on Masbrough Street on the edge of Rotherham town centre.

The list doesn't include Parkgate where planning permission has been secured for a 20,000 sq ft unit at the retail park suitable for a national food retailer.

Richard Taylor, Chief Real Estate Officer at Lidl GB, said: “This level of investment is a clear sign of our ambition. As we enter our fourth decade in Great Britain and hurtle towards a thousand stores, there are still so many parts of the country crying out for convenient access to a Lidl store. That’s why we welcome the measures proposed in the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill – they recognise the urgent need to remove barriers to development and support the kind of growth we at Lidl are working towards.

“Our latest site requirements brochure reinforces the scale of our ambition for the future. New Lidl stores mean new jobs, new opportunities for British suppliers, and continued investment into local economies. We’re proud to be one of the fastest-growing supermarkets in the country, and with this investment, we’re taking another big step in our journey.”

Lidl website

Images: Lidl GB

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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: Wickersley pub and bar policy to continue

Rotherham Council's cabinet has approved the continuation of a policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the popular Wickersley area of the borough.

A statement of licensing policy was approved in 2020 as the council is responsible for licensing the sale of alcohol, hot food and various events. It included a Cumulative Impact Policy which detailed that an area of Wickersley village would become a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Policies are introduced if the authority considers that the number of licensed premises within a defined area is at such a level that the granting of further licences would be inconsistent with the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The zone covers Wickersley North, Thurcroft and Wickersley South and was introduced to combat "problems surrounding anti-social behaviour, low-level crime, public nuisance including noise and ambulance related alcohol call outs in a mainly residential area."

Following a review, cabinet members met recently to agree that the policy stays in place.

42 of the 47 responses relating to Wickersley were from local residents, all of whom stated that they had experienced noise disturbance and littering / dumping of rubbish in the last 12 months. All but two of the residents that responded indicated that they have experienced vandalism / criminal damage or antisocial behaviour in the last 12 months.

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A council report adds: "Five Wickersley based businesses responded to the consultation, all of whom disagreed that the Cumulative Impact Assessment has had a positive impact on their business. However only two of those expressed the view that the Cumulative Impact Assessment has prevented them from carrying out their business activities / interests."

Sam Barstow, Assistant Director, Community Safety & Street Scene, at Rotherham Council said: "In 2020 The council considered that the number and type of premises in the Wickersley area were having a detrimental on the lives of local residents, and particularly on the licence holders to meet the licencing objectives - particularly around crime and disorder and public nuisance.

"We have used the consultation to assess whether the zone in Wickerlsey is still justified, but also to see if any other areas of Rotherham would benefit from a similar zone.

"The review has concluded that the Wickersley zone should be retained but we have not identified any evidence at this stage to justify any zones elsewhere across the borough."

The Council was keen to make clear that the policy does not create a ban on the grant of licenses within Wickersley but an applicant "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

Since the policy's introduction, FIKA Coffee Lounge successfully secured a licence for the sale by retail of alcohol and over the road, The Garrison restaurant secured planning permission in 2021 to operate as a drinking establishment, despite objections.

In 2022, Rothbiz reported that operators of Seasons restaurant, who are also the owners of The Courtyard next door, wanted to vary its premises licence. Earlier this year, The Yard applied for planning permission so that it can continue to open later.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Wickersley pub and bar policy under review

Rotherham Council is consulting on its policy that affects the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the popular Wickersley area of the borough.

A statement of licensing policy was approved in 2020 as the council is responsible for licensing the sale of alcohol, hot food and various events. It included a Cumulative Impact Policy which detailed that an area of Wickersley village would become a Cumulative Impact Zone.

Policies are introduced if the authority considers that the number of licensed premises within a defined area is at such a level that the granting of further licences would be inconsistent with the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The zone covers Wickersley North, Thurcroft and Wickersley South and was introduced to combat "problems surrounding anti-social behaviour, low-level crime, public nuisance including noise and ambulance related alcohol call outs in a mainly residential area."

The policy is required to be reviewed every three years, and any review must be consulted upon, before being published alongside an appropriate evidence base.

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The latest Cumulative Impact Policy consultation will focus on a review of the effectiveness of the current cumulative impact assessment active in Wickersley, and look at whether any other parts of the borough would benefit from a cumulative impact assessment being introduced.

Residents are asked about how licensed premises have affected their quality of life whilst business owners are asked about the positive impact of the zone or if it prevents them trading.

The Council was keen to make clear that the policy does not create a ban on the grant of licenses within Wickersley but an applicant "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

There were nineteen premises within Wickersley back in 2020, sixteen located along a 300 metre section of Bawtry Road. It was explained that the area does not have the required infrastructure to deal with a large and sustained night-time economy and residents have cited noise nuisance from premises as a key issue, alongside issues with street scene such as broken glass, fouling and vomiting.

Since the policy's introduction, FIKA Coffee Lounge successfully secured a licence for the sale by retail of alcohol and over the road, The Garrison restaurant secured planning permission in 2021 to operate as a drinking establishment, despite objections.

In 2022, Rothbiz reported that operators of Seasons restaurant, who are also the owners of The Courtyard next door, wanted to vary its premises licence. Earlier this year, The Yard applied for planning permission so that it can continue to open later.

The Council is also consluting on its Gambling Act Policy. The authority is responsible for licensing local gambling places in the borough and sets conditions by which these places must be run. This responsibility provides an opportunity to influence the local gambling industry and minimise where possible, the harm that might be caused by problem gambling.

The current Gambling Act Policy includes a number of clauses that are intended to promote safer gambling practices and protect vulnerable people. This latest consultation will determine whether changes to the policy should be recommended to the Council Cabinet for review and implementation.

RMBC website

Images: Google Maps

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News: NatWest confirm closure of another Rotherham branch

NatWest will be left with just one branch in the whole of the borough after the group announced the closure of another Rotherham bank - scheduled for later this year.

The group, formerly known as Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), was until last year majority-owned by the government - a throwback to the £45bn bailout during the 2008 financial crisis.

Since then, and with customers choosing to do their everyday banking online or on mobile, NatWest has closed its branches on Corporation Street in the town centre and in Dinnington, which now has no major High Street bank.

The latest announcement is for the closure of NatWest's Wickersley branch.

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A statement from NatWest said: "With the ease of mobile and online banking fewer people are coming into the bank. This means we’ve had to make some tough choices about which can stay open. So, we want to make sure that we keep the branches people are using most.

"We completely understand that online banking isn’t right for everyone. Sometimes you want to chat things through with someone. We promise that you’ll still be able to talk to one of our team either on the phone, by video or in one of our other branches."

NatWest said that the Bawtry Road branch saw counter transactions for personal customers decrease by 62% comparing January 2019 and January 2023. In 2022, 62% of personal customers using the branch also chose to use Online Banking or a mobile app.

NatWest added that the branch was used by six personal customers and 182 business customers on a regular basis in 2022.

The Wickersley branch is closing on October 17 2023.

The closure will leave just the town centre branch on Effingham Street. Other nearby branches are in Mexborough, Doncaster, and Crystal Peaks, Attercliffe and the city centre in Sheffield. Post Offices are also able to process some banking transactions.

NatWest website

Images: Google Maps

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News: 9,999 capacity events plan for Rotherham green belt site

A plot of greenbelt land where developers were turned down planning permission for housing could be used for a number of near 10,000 capacity outdoor events, if a newly submitted licensing application is approved.

Pocket Sports Bar Limited, which operates in Worksop and Mexborough, has applied for a new licence to provide a range of activities on land known as The Pitches, including live music and the sale of alcohol.

Newett Homes proposed a high-quality residential development comprising 124 dwellings on the land close to The Stag. Revised down to 116 dwellings, the council's planning board voted to refuse the plans - going against a recommendation by its officers.

Following a subsequent appeal, a planning inspector ruled that the site provides a "visual amenity role for the local community and area" and said that houses should not be built there. The land has since been placed on Rotherham Council's register of Assets of Community Value.

The nine acre site on Wickersley Road has previously been used for football, cricket, hockey, tennis and bowls but it has been vacant for over five years. However, the club house remains on the site, complete with alcohol licence.

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Applicants say that: "The current licence would remain in force, likely to be subject to variation for plans and area" and have now applied for a licence to cover the whole site.

The application seeks to provide the following licensable activities, all of which will be provided outdoors in the open space:

- Performance of plays
- Exhibition of films
- Live music
- Recorded Music
- Performance of Dance
- Anything of a similar description to 3, 4, and 5 above
- The sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, that is the open space

The hours sought in the application are between 12 noon and 10pm every day of the week, closing at 11pm.

The application form adds: "This would be for a bespoke premises licence that allowed a number of events a year. For 2023 - 1 - 2, for 2024 - 1-3, from 2025 onward - no more than 6 events a year."

Applicants say that the capacity for the events would be no more than 9,999, adding that the site itself is 40,000 sq. m. (430,500 sq. ft.), "which without infrastructure could hold up to 100,000 people. (2.5 persons per sqm = 100,000). The planned capacity limit is roughly 10% of what the site could hold without infrastructure."

Pocket Sports Bar Limited, which already has its registered address at The Pitches, shares a director - Peter Eyre - with Pitches Developments Ltd, the firm involved in the housing scheme.

Representations to the application must be received by Rotherham Council no later than July 3 2023.

Images: Google Maps

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