Consent confirmed for permanent auction site at former colliery

The former Maltby Colliery is set to become a long-term base for international auctioneer Ritchie Bros after planning consent was issued following the completion of a Section 106 planning agreement.

Last year a 12-month planning approval was secured to enable temporary use of the South Yorkshire site for plant and machinery auctions hosted by Ritchie Bros.

The latest news means auctions can now take place for a 27-year period on approximately 26 acres at the site’s previously developed pit yard.

Ritchie Bros. will primarily use the existing site infrastructure, including the entrance security building, weighbridge and wheel wash along with hardstanding areas.

It is expected the Ritchie Bros auctions will create about 30 full time jobs and result in a multi-million investment program including the modification of an existing building to form an auction theatre, construction of a new check-in building and use of the existing workshop.

Lee Weatherall, planning and development manager at Hargreaves Land, said: “We are delighted that Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has approved and issued this planning consent which will deliver important economic benefits.

“From the outset we engaged with key stakeholders to prepare the application as part of a longer term plan to create jobs and bring investment to the local area.”

Ritchie Bros works with many local service providers and suppliers to operate the Maltby auctions.

Customers from around the world attend the auctions and utilise the goods and services of airlines, car hires, rental cars, hotels, restaurants and more.

The auctioneer, which has been holding auctions since 1958, began holding auctions at the Maltby site in February 2019, after relocating its UK operations from Donington Park.