Rawtenstall market upgrade is approved but councillors want reassurances

A planning application to upgrade Rawtenstall Market Hall has been approved by Rossendale councillors, linked to levelling-up funds.

But councillors wanted reassurances about further consultation with stallholders, especially hot food businesses.

Some market traders are unhappy with consultation, unclear about relocation into Rawtenstall during refurbishment and fear their future income is threatened by a potential indoor food hall, councillors heard. Over 100 objections have been raised.

Rossendale Council’s Development Control Committee approved the plan at its latest meeting.  Some concerns, such as the market’s operation or which type of stalls go exactly where, were not relevant to deciding this application, it was said. But they were raised nonetheless.

The council owns Rawtenstall Market and its plan focuses on partial demolition, creating a new front and entrances, new stalls and public areas. The planning meeting was attended by traders, supporters and objectors. It followed a recent separate announcement that the current market managers are stepping away.

ENTIRE PROCESS CRITICISED

In public questions, Timothy Crowley, an objector, said: “The main objection from traders is that Rossendale Council has mishandled the entire process. Despite consultation, we have no idea what will happen with businesses when refurbishment starts. This should have been one of the first issues yet here we are at the application stage still with no certainty.

“It is possible, if not probable, that some businesses may close and may not reopen. So we are asking for this application to be deferred until suitable and mutually-agreed plans are in place for trade to continue during refurbishments.

“We have also said we don’t want an indoor food hall. But it seems we have been truly ignored. There have been some misleading press statements saying most traders favour the proposal. But there are many objections. Many customers don’t want an indoor food hall either.”

He added: “We want Rawtenstall Market as a beacon, not just a copy of other markets in bigger urban areas. We can get more favourable results for the public and the council than this current proposal. We want improvements without endangering the parts that work well.  The negative economic impact will be felt for years. This needs further talks before any rash decisions.”

Councillors including Jimmy Eaton and Judith Driver asked more about concerns including the future relocation of food-and-drink stalls and consultation.

Mr Crowley said: “Rawtenstall is a fantastic town with some great shops and restaurants. The market is unique because it has hot food and drink stalls outside. That difference draws people in. If some people want an indoor food hall, there are other options.”

Mr Crowley understood a complaint has been made about traders not being able to speak at a past Rossendale Council cabinet meeting, which was pending an investigation. There was a claim that had breached the council’s constitution. He claimed: “Suffice to say, the cabinet had to make a decision without all the facts.”

He added: “By definition, consultation means getting people together to express ideas. There has been information divulged outwards. But. for whatever reason, traders’ responses have not been listened to.

“We have had various meetings with Rossendale Council. But then they say things afterwards about the ‘majority’ of traders being in favour. That makes a lot angry. We have had meetings with the market management too.

“We are in favour of investment and refurbishment.  But not at the expense of everything. We think the situation is dangerously close to making a really bad decision. We’re asking for a deferral. We will work with the council expediently. We are not trying to stop anything.”

PART OF WIDER REGENERATION

Gareth Hayhoe, of DAY Architectural Ltd, spoke in favour. He said: “This will help transform the market and is part of wider activity to transform Rawtenstall and Rossendale. I’m a local resident too and really pleased to support this.  This follows other architectural projects we have worked on including Rawtenstall Bus Station and The Whittaker museum.

“This blends tradition with modern design ensuring the market’s long-term value for the community. In simple terms, it upgrades dilapidated stalls at a much-loved site. Designs also respond to comments from the public and local civic society.

“Support has been hard-earned. It has been a long and often emotional journey. But there have been numerous meetings and consultation. We acknowledge there is some negativity but that is focused on management and operation of the market. This scheme is flexible and we may be able to look at some things. It can evolve.

“Feedback on design is supportive. It’s about making a welcoming indoor hub. There is a drinking element to outside stalls. As someone with a family, I think that can be a bit intrusive. I think that could perhaps be better-managed in an internal space where there is a lot more control, which would be better for the market overall.”

Mr Hayhoe noted some councillors’ comments about proposed building materials, stone and cladding, and a cycle store.

CONCERNS

But Coun Judith Driver said: “I’m getting a feeling there are some concerns about where traders will go, and the inside and outside arrangements. I’d like to know there will still be some room for more conversations and consultation.”

Coun Jimmy Eaton added: “Some food traders would prefer to stay outside. Why can they not stay outside? This is their business.” And Coun David Hancock asked if hot food stalls locations were relevant to this planning application? But planning officers said not.

Mr Hayhoe said: “As architects, we are dealing with a brief. There is some flexibility in design and people could bring food back outside.” He also said some future outside spaces could be used for visiting or ‘pop-up’ stalls.

Committee chairwoman Marilyn Procter said: “Will consultation carry on?”

Mr Hayhoe said: “Absolutely. We are fully committed to that. We feel we have got 30-odd clients there, not just Rossendale Council.”

The plan was approved, subject to conditions.