Concerns raised over £15m town centre plan

Concerns have been raised over a £15m regeneration plan for a town centre that critics say could "destroy" the area.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has submitted a planning application for the centre of Guisborough which would "preserve and enhance" the town's "character and popularity".

But Guisborough Town Council and ex-councillor Anne Watts have questioned the need for the scheme and expressed fears for its impact.

The scheme would be funded by the government's Levelling Up Fund with work scheduled to start early in 2025 if plans are approved.

It would see new seating and pedestrian crossings installed, footpaths widened and new lighting in the areas of Westgate, Market Place, Chaloner Street, and small parts of Church Street and Fountain Street, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A dedicated space would also be created at the Market Cross in the Market Place with the aim of reintroducing a market, while provision would be made for new public art installations.

Ms Watts, who represented Belmont on the borough council as an independent, said only 300 people had responded online to the plans but a "proper door-by-door" consultation should be arranged.

She also said the scheme would see the "destruction" of the town centre and "tear" its heart out.

A planning statement acknowledged the scheme would have a "minor adverse effect" upon the character and appearance of the conservation area, while traffic could be brought to a "standstill" at busy times due to the narrowing of Westgate and more pedestrian crossings.

Guisborough councillor Bill Clarke also said local ward members had not been properly consulted while Guisborough Town Council’s planning committee said it had a number of concerns.

These included an "adverse" affect on listed buildings in the area and the need for a pavement-cafe type space in an area where there were no cafes.

The planning statement, drawn up by consultants Lichfields, said the improvements would create a "livelier, multifunctional" streetscape.

Borough council cabinet member Lynn Pallister, Labour, said the plan would "preserve and enhance the character and popularity of the historic centre", adding the local community had had "significant involvement".

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