A COUNCILLOR is fighting plans to turn a former Victorian viewing platform and tunnel entrance into a home.

The structure, near the Valley Gardens, Saltburn, known locally as The Look-Out, has views across Huntcliff, and once formed the entrance to a tunnel leading to the neighbouring Zetland Hotel.

It is believed that the tunnel was used by female guests at the Zetland Hotel who used it when it was raining and did not want to get their dresses wet on the way to the Spa Ballroom on Saltburn Bank. It was also used by people wanting to get to the Valley Gardens.

Applicant Harry Armstrong, director of Fitwide, which owns the property, wants to convert it into a one-bedroom property.

But Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish councillor Jim Wingham believes it should be retained in its current form for future generations.

"I was dismayed when I learned about the application," he said.

"We have got very few buildings of historical importance left in Saltburn.

"It's like proposing to demolish the Zetland Hotel and building a car park in its place.

"The Look-Out was built at a time when there were no other public amenities, other than the beach and cliffs, and it was a former entrance to the Valley Gardens, which were owned by the Saltburn Improvement Company."

But Mr Armstrong said the building was falling into disrepair and that, in its current state, it attracted vandals and was no asset to the people of Saltburn.

"At the moment it is used as a den by druggies," he said.

"The borough council and the Historic Gardens Commission agree that it is a derelict building that would not find another use.

"It's not a listed building, so no repair work can be forced on us.

"Developing the building would be the only way to retain it. Otherwise, the area is only going to get worse."

Architect Gordon Henderson said he had tried to keep the building looking like the original in the plans, including its original white walls, which match the Zetland Hotel. "We believe we have enhanced it," he said.

Councillors on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee will make a decision on whether the development can go ahead either next month or in November.