Decision due on new off-licence bid in Rawmarsh
A decision is set to be made next week on plans to open a new off-licence in Rawmarsh, following an objection from a resident.
Rotherham Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on April 1 to consider an application submitted by Mr Vasanthan Chelliah for a premises licence at 25 Monkwood Road, S62.
The application, made under the Licensing Act 2003, seeks permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises every day between 7am and 11pm.
According to the application, the premises would operate as a convenience store following a full refurbishment and a reported £40,000 investment.
The applicant describes the proposal as a “family-run business” aiming to provide a wide range of groceries and household goods, alongside alcohol sales available throughout the shop’s opening hours.
Alcohol sales would also include a delivery service, subject to age verification checks at the point of delivery.
A number of measures have been proposed to promote licensing objectives, including CCTV coverage, a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, and record-keeping of refusals and incidents.
However, the application has attracted an objection from a local resident, who raised concerns about the potential impact on the area.
In their representation, the objector said allowing alcohol sales from 7am through to 11pm daily could lead to increased noise, antisocial behaviour and crime, particularly during evenings.
They also warned of possible littering and environmental decline, as well as concerns about public safety, citing limited parking and risks to pedestrians.
The objection states: “The risks to public safety, community wellbeing, and the residential character of the area outweigh any potential benefits.”
The resident also argued there was no clear need for another off-licence, noting an existing shop selling alcohol within a short walking distance.
Some points raised, including concerns about property values and the character of the neighbourhood, were not considered relevant under licensing law, the report notes.
The council’s licensing sub-committee will hear from both the applicant and the objector at the public hearing on April 1.
Members will then decide whether to grant or refuse the licence, and a decision will be issued within five working days of the hearing.