Plans to convert unused garages into flats and retail units in Redcar town centre have been signed off.

Outline planning permission for the scheme, in Lord Street, was given two years ago, despite some objections being received.

Former Coatham ward councillor Neil Baldwin said he was unhappy with the size and quality of the planned flats and the proposed entrances from rear and side alleyways were not conducive to safety or security.

Meanwhile, some neighbours in written representations to Redcar and Cleveland Council pointed out there were a number of empty shops in the vicinity.

One said: “While the flats are probably a good idea, I do not believe retail premises are.

“Should concentrate on filling the empty shops in the town before adding any more.”

The site lies directly behind a small car park and is next to the Redcar Literary Institute on Lord Street.

 

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So-called reserved matters, which consider access, appearance, potential landscaping, layout and scale, were agreed by council officers earlier this month, documents show.

The intention is to demolish the garages and replace them with a detached building comprising two retail units on the ground floor with six flats above.

The flats will be each one-bedroomed.