Agenda and minutes

Ryan Shepherd, Senior Planner, to report.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Senior Planner, summarising the findings and recommendations of the Rotherham Retail and Leisure Study 2011 and seeking endorsement of its use in informing planning decisions. 

The following issues were highlighted:-

-          National planning policy – PPS 4

-          Reasons for needing to replace the 2004 study

-          Aims of the Retail and Leisure Study 2011

-          Key outcomes:-  (i)  a ‘health check’ of Rotherham’s retail centres;  (ii)  an assessment of the need to plan for further retail and leisure floorspace in the future;  (iii)  policy recommendation to inform the preparation of the Local Development Framework

-          Headline findings:-  (i)  opportunities for Rotherham town centre, including a cinema;  (ii)  the need for floorspace for convenience goods, bulky and non bulky items; (iii) leisure need in the south of the borough

-          Recommended hierarchy of centres (detailed in the table within the submitted report)

-          Policy recommendations and next steps:-

Members present raised and discussed the following:-

-          Bellows Road and Parkgate

-          the need for environmental improvements to some district centres e.g. Swinton

-          ease of access by car to other adjacent town centres

-          continued work of staff in RiDO

-          availability of finance

-          the need to attract national retailers into the town centre

-          operation of a cinema and associated food outlets

-          inclusion of the Study in, and timescale of, the Local Development Framework

Resolved:-  That the use of the Retail and Leisure Study in determining planning applications, making other planning decisions and as part of the evidence base for preparing the Local Development Framework be endorsed.