Government backing for Waverley plans

A BIG boost to Rotherham’s regeneration ambitions was received this week with the news that plans for a massive office campus and hotel on the Waverley site will be decided locally.

ROTHERHAM'S regeneration amibitions have been given a huge boost with the news that plans for a massive office campus and hotel on the Waverley site will be decided locally.

The Government agreed not to “call in” plans for nearly 4,000 houses, shops and community facilities plus 60,000 square metre of office spaces and left the decision-making to Rotherham councillors—meaning it is virtually certain to go ahead.

The applications were initially considered at Rotherham Borough Council’s planning board in January but under planning regulations had to be sent to the Government Office for Yorkshire and the Humber for consideration before any final decision could be made.

Members of the Rotherham planning board agreed to support the outline application by Harworth Estates for a new community at Waverley between Rotherham and Sheffield—the former 230 hectare Orgreave Open Cast site owned by UK Coal.

They also supported a second application for offices, a hotel, retail and leisure facilities for Helical Governetz on land off Highfield Spring, Catcliffe.

The authority has now received confirmation from the Government that it will not “call in” the applications.