Contractors accommodation scheme that divided opinion among councillors approved for vacant plot of land

A scheme to create accommodation for contractors in Grangetown has been narrowly granted planning approval despite strong opposition from a local councillor and a number of local residents.

Councillor Lynn Pallister said she had a “big concern” over the plans for the building, which will contain 28 rooms each with a bedroom and bathroom. It is to be located on the site of a former health clinic between Broadway and St David’s Road, now an overgrown, vacant plot of land.

Speaking at a regulatory committee meeting which determined the application, Cllr Pallister, who represents Grangetown, said: “I don’t want to bring Grangetown down as I am passionate about it, [but] I don’t think this development is in the right place.”

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She suggested contractors would rather be in town centre locations and predicted “difficult issues and problems” arising. Cllr Pallister, who was prevented from taking part in the subsequent debate and vote as the ward councillor for the area, said residents living in St David’s Road were concerned about the level of traffic and potential noise.

A report for planning committee members described a ‘T-shaped’ two storey building with the interior also including communal and storage areas. It said: “The site will provide 18 in curtilage parking spaces, cycle storage, a bin store area and pedestrian access from Broadway and St David's Road.”

Twenty five written representations were received by the local planning authority mainly objecting to the proposal. Concerns included the intended use of the property, a potential increase in crime, noise issues and limited parking.

One said: "The community has enough problems without this being built." Another said: “No way it’s for contractors, having worked away myself …..I look for somewhere to get something to eat and somewhere to get a pint or two at the end of my working day and there are neither of these two in the local area.”

The report, which recommended permission was granted, concluded it would bring a vacant site back into use and have no adverse impact on neighbour amenity, highways safety, nuisance, or crime prevention, nor on the character and appearance of the area.

It suggested a condition could be included restricting the development to temporary living accommodation. The report also said there was “no evidence” that contractor accommodation creates more crime or nuisance.

In respect of highways concerns it said: “There are no apparent parking issues in the immediate locality, with a surplus of on street parking, the development will also allocate further space on Broadway Road for parking and a pick up/drop off facility for access.”

Planning agent Fahim Farooqui, representing the applicant Bayaz Developments NE, told the meeting that the accommodation would be for contractors only and it would be a “perfect site, designed carefully”. He said: “Contractors will come here, we have done our research. There is a high demand.”

The agent said there would be a 24 hour concierge service available via a call centre, CCTV cameras and a register of those staying at the accommodation could be kept in accordance with the wishes of the planning authority.

He said the applicant had a similar development in South Bank consisting of 12 apartments, which was regularly at full capacity “with no problems”. Mr Farooqui said contractors employed by the likes of Teesworks and Wilton International were likely to use the accommodation.

A planning statement said it would be a “good quality” development and “enhance and regenerate this vacant piece of land which has remained unkempt for over 20 years in Grangetown on a main gateway thoroughfare to Redcar and Middlesbrough".

Councillor Philip Thomson said: “On balance this facility will respond to a clear demand for the ongoing development at Teesworks and has merit.”

Councillor Malcolm Head said: “This is a purpose built new building on a vacant site which needs development and I would support the application.” The scheme was eventually approved by six votes to four.

Councillor Carl Quartermain said his concern was for the potential of “decline over time”. He said: “What happens if it cannot be filled - then we have a building there with a developer desperate to fill them [the rooms]?”

Cllr Quartermain suggested that the council may have trouble controlling and enforcing a situation which could see long-term tenants living in the accommodation.

Councillor Margaret O’Donoghue said of the South Bank comparison: “There are quite a number of food outlets in South Bank and quite a few pubs. There is none of this in Grangetown so it doesn’t really seem viable that double the number [of contractors] would seek to house themselves there.”

But Councillor Vera Rider said she welcomed the plans, adding: “I know this area and it has been empty and derelict for years. I think it is well planned and I don’t think there will be objections once it is there. We do need contractors to come to the area.”

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