Plans for cafe and craft ale house in empty unit

Plans have been lodged to convert an empty unit in Rotherham into a craft ale and coffee house.

The unit, on Wickersley Road, was last used as a dental training centre but has been vacant for several years.

Under a proposal submitted to Rotherham Council, the venue would be named Barrel & Bean and would offer teas, cakes, local craft ales and cold food platters.

Planning officers have recommended the scheme be approved by councillors at a meeting on 12 June.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the business would be spread over two floors, with seating at ground level and a storage and preparation space to the rear of the lower ground floor.

A flat on the first floor would remain in residential use.

The venue would open daily, according to the application, and operate from 09:00 BST to 21:00 or 22:30, depending on the day.

The proposal attracted 16 letters of support and 11 objections, with concerns ranging from potential late night noise to increased litter.

Some added there was a known problem with rats near the property and they feared there would also be a lack of parking.

Supporters argued that the venue would fill a local need for coffee shops and social spaces.

They praised its emphasis on sourcing local produce.

Several also suggested that such venues typically attract a more mature clientele and would bring new life to an otherwise underused unit.

Council planning officers concluded that the proposal was in line with the authority's local plan.

In response to noise concerns, the applicant has agreed to a number of proposed conditions, including no outdoor seating, no live or amplified music, and restricted operating hours.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North