Business unit plans for Harthill Sports Centre face objections
The centre is operating at an 'ongoing shortfall,' and its income 'does not cover running and maintenance costs’.
Part of Harthill's leisure centre could become a new business unit under plans aimed at keeping the facility financially afloat, but residents have raised a number of objections.
The proposal for Harthill Sports Centre on Woodall Lane include retail and service space, an enlarged café and meeting space and 24 roof mounted solar panels.
Planners at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council have recommended that councillors approve the scheme when it is decided at the next board meeting on October 8.
The Parish Council owns the site, which is managed Harthill with Woodall Community Association, a registered charity.
A planning report to councillors states that the centre is currently operating at an 'ongoing shortfall,' and its income 'does not cover running and maintenance costs,' which is placing the charity under 'increasing pressure'.
It adds that a back office storage room would be converted to house a 'small, local-service based use' such as as hair, beauty or wellbeing business.
The Class E use also gives permission for the area to be used for shops, offices, cafés, restaurants, health services, nurseries, gyms, research and 'suitable light industrial uses'.
The applicant argues renting space to small businesses would help secure the centre’s future while retaining community and sporting facilities.
But objectors question whether the business proposals are viable and warn of an erosion of community assets. Concerns also include the effect on the neighbouring conservation area and alleged insufficient notification.
The council received 51 responses by September 18, with more objections than expressions of support.
Supporters say regular daytime use would make the centre more welcoming, provide opportunities for independent businesses, and bring unused areas back into use.
An earlier proposal to replace the tennis and multi-use court with a car park has been withdrawn, meaning the court would also stay.
Several residents have dropped their objections on that issue. Sport England and the council’s green spaces team no longer object to the amended scheme.
The applicant says the proposed units would serve local customers and complement existing village businesses.
An earlier proposal to replace the tennis and multi-use court with a car park has been withdrawn, meaning the court would also stay.
The applicant says the proposed units would serve local customers and complement existing village businesses.
Planning officers agree the retail element would have little impact on Harthill’s existing shopping provision. They say the changes are unlikely to attract significant additional traffic, with the existing car park retained.
Officers consider the extension’s design acceptable and recommend permission subject to conditions.
Councillors will make the final decision during next week's meeting.