A CONTROVERSIAL ramp scheme for Guisborough courthouse has been approved.

Worries about the ramp being an eyesore and a possible danger for playing children lost out to the need for easier access for the disabled.

The decision by Redcar and Cleveland councillors could ease fears about the long-term future of the court building.

The court authorities want to create holding cells at Guisborough and so cement its role in the Cleveland justice system.

There had been concerns the courthouse could close as part of a review by the Lord Chancellor's department and a planning wrangle over a ramp would not have helped the local case.

Cleveland courts committee had applied to improve the building in Church Lane by having an access ramp built into landscaping at the front.

Planning officers recommended refusal and after twice considering the scheme, members of the planning committee went on a site visit on Monday.

"We would have an eyesore and a place where kids could play and possibly harm themselves," said Coun Mike Stephen at the time.

On Monday, some councillors were still unhappy about the scheme.

But Coun Dave McLuckie said: "I can see the officers' objections in the way it might look from the front, but we have to consider what it will achieve.

"Although it is not the best solution, it will ensure disabled access to the court and that the building may now not face closure is another benefit."

Coun Garth Houchen said: "The visual amenity aspect pales into insignificance against the need for access for the disabled. It is the only court in the borough and without this access we could see it closed."

Coun Arthur Harvison still felt the ramp would be an eyesore. "It just will not look nice. The courts could have found another way round."

Coun McLuckie said the site offered limited options for clear access for the disabled. "Safety is paramount. I would have liked something more pleasing on the eye but the cost of that would be phenomenal."

Coun Vera Moody still felt that, with an exit on to a main road, the ramp was not safe. "It will look an abomination stuck on the front of the building," she said.

The ramp will be of six sloping ramps of nine-metres long with landings at every level. Each run will have galvanised steel tubular handrails on top of brick retaining walls