A REVISED application for the demolition of a Redcar hotel and its redevelopment into flats has been approved.

The redevelopment of the Regency Hotel in Coatham Road to make 42 flats had sparked concerns from residents about the loss of another major hotel in the town and the effect on tourism.

While there were concerns with the previous plans for the development, members of Redcar and Cleveland Council planning committee approved a revised version this week.

The original proposal for the first block of flats facing Coatham Road was for a four-storey building. This raised concerns from residents in Coatham Road that light would be blocked from their properties.

But the height has been reduced slightly on the new plans, so the upper floor is incorporated into the roof space.

This means the overall height of the development is about the same as the existing hotel.

The second block is an L-shaped building which extends along the rear of properties in Nelson Terrace and along the southern part of the site. It consists of a four-storey block behind Nelson Terrace, becoming five storeys on the southern side.

Planning officers say that four storeys is about the same height as the existing hotel, but some residents have raised concerns about the proximity of the building to their properties and the inclusion of balconies which will overlook them.

In the amended plans by hotel owner Malcolm McKee, the balconies have been removed, leaving full-length doors, which will be splayed across the corners to minimise the reduction in privacy.

Development control manager, Doreen Mealing, told the planning committee: "Residents are more than happy and grateful for the alterations."

Coun Peter Spencer said: "Nearly everything that was mentioned at the site visit appears to have been done by the agent."