Former railway site to house retail and food spaces

The coal drops regeneration project in Penistone has received planning approval

Plans to turn a derelict former railway site in South Yorkshire into retail, business and hospitality spaces have been approved.

The coal drops project in Penistone, which once sat on the Woodhead Line, include the conversion of the original signal house and the restoration of the listed coal drop arches for retail spaces.

Barnsley-based developers Fairbank Investments Ltd said it hoped the scheme would "breathe new life into one of Penistone's most historic sites".

Antony Green, the firm's managing director, said: "Our vision is to preserve the significant heritage of the coal drops while creating a space that brings activity, employment and opportunity back to this important location."

The firm said it would create a "vibrant, mixed-use destination", including a 4,000 sq ft restaurant and bar space and 9,000 sq ft of offices.

The move was given the go-ahead by Barnsley Council on Friday.

The old railway site dates back to the mid-19th Century and is now partially listed

Penistone's coal drops were once a place where coal was brought into the area to be loaded onto road transport.

The Woodhead Line linked Sheffield, Penistone and Manchester, with the last freight train journey on the route taking place in 1981.

Mr Green said: "It marks a real turning point for the town and for a site that means so much to local people.

"This is a once-in-a-generation chance to be part of something very special."

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