Divisive plans for former popular pub turned down

Controversial plans to convert a popular former pub into a place of worship have been scuppered on highway safety grounds.

Hundreds of people attended a protest earlier this year against proposals which would have seen The Magnet pub, in Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, become a Hindu community centre.

Once a hub of the area, the pub is famous for previously hosting early gigs by renowned Teesside comic Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown.

Redcar and Cleveland Council refused the application, determining there was a “substandard level of parking and manoeuvring” available for potential visitors at the site.

Councillors also felt the plans had “no suitable justification” for the transport requirements associated with the development.

More than 400 objections were received, compared to only three in support, with a local Cleveland Police neighbourhood chief inspector also expressing concerns.

The police officer highlighted that "the area is a high crime location, particularly for violent and drug-related crime, with current community tensions running high".

He said: “Police are robustly tackling these issues and have a long-term vision to make the area a much safer and more prosperous place for the community.

“However, these plans take time and I have concerns around the protection and safety of those who would be attending the new premises, either as owners, staff or visitors."

He also felt that "an increase in vehicle traffic could lead to a rise in inquisitive crime in the area".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that council officers said provision had been made for seven parking bays but a minimum of 20 were needed to match the planned capacity of the facility.

They said "no consideration" had been given to how overspill of parking would be managed or how loading or pick-ups and drop-offs would be facilitated.

The Magnet, part of which is now occupied by a Heron’s food store, was sold at auction in 2022 to a private buyer for the sum of £75,000 and had been marketed with permission for it to be turned into flats.

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