Plans for a new agricultural building in East Cleveland which had councillors scratching their heads have been refused.

The application for land at Grewgrass Farm, Grewgrass Lane, New Marske, was deferred in September amid concerns about the excessive size of the build.

Concern was also raised by highways officials about whether a sufficient visibility ‘splay’ could be achieved in terms of track access to and from a main road, which was to be altered with construction already underway, and what exactly the new building would be used for amid suggestions there may be a vertical farming element.

This refers to the practice of growing crops in vertical layers in controlled environments using artificial growing systems, which means crops can be grown all year round, taking up less space and using less water.

Peter Finlinson, speaking on behalf of Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council, said it supported an officer’s recommendation to refuse the plan.

He said: “It’s not clear for what purpose it is going to be used for and there are access problems.

“The entrance will be very narrow and two vehicles cannot pass side by side.

“Plus the fact it is a development which I don’t think is suitable for the area where it is.”

Agent Gordon Henderson, acting on behalf of the applicant, said the visibility issue had been rectified with amended plans that had been submitted showing it was now compliant with highways officers’ demands.

He added: “The agricultural building has been reduced by 25%.

“In terms of uses, it is purely and simply a farming use.

“This was the start of a project by my client and he needs the [new] entrance and the agricultural building to start.

“The applicant is passionate about alternative methods of farming and recycling and I think he should be applauded for this.

“It is the beginning of my client’s journey to a greener future.”

Mr Henderson, in a submission to Redcar and Cleveland Council, said his client was interested in all forms of alternative farming and repurposing materials and had a “passion for a greener future to which he aspires”.

But Councillor Justin Thompson said there remained ambiguity about usage, asking what the building was for.

Mr Henderson said: “It is for storage of agricultural equipment, animal feeds, bedding, that type of thing.”

Animals could also be housed in inclement weather, he said.

Cllr Thompson said this was still quite vague and there had been no significant change from the original proposal.

He said: “Entry and exit will be very challenging for large vehicles.

“In terms of use we are not hearing anything green, or ground breaking, or concepts employed within that building.”

Planning committee chairman Councillor Tristan Learoyd said he wished to see vertical farming take a step forward in Redcar and Cleveland and such a project would be voted straight through.

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But he said with the application in hand, it had not moved on sufficiently to enable a recommendation by officers to accept.

Vice chairman Councillor Jonny Neal proposed the application be refused, which was agreed.

He said: “This is a rather long road to a rather large shed.”