Dozens of objections over retail park plan

Dozens of residents have objected to the building of a new major retail destination near Scarborough.

Plans for the development including a supermarket, cafés, a petrol station and tanning salon at Filey Road have been submitted to North Yorkshire Council by Cliff Court Developments Ltd.

More than 60 letters have been sent to the authority, many concerned about its impact on town centre businesses, local environment and biodiversity as well as noise and sound pollution to neighbouring properties.

The application said the development would "significantly improve the range, accessibility and availability of local shops, services and facilities to local residents and tourists."

No date has been set yet for the council to decide on the plans, which are open to representations by members of the public.

One local resident Marion Hawkins, said she believed the development was "totally unnecessary", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Her letter said: ​"There is no need for another supermarket or takeaway shops, and its isolated position means only those with cars will be able to access it."

"The town centre is dying – any developments of this nature belong there, where they can attract people into the town – not away from it."

Another objector, Karen Moorhouse, stated: "I am absolutely horrified at this appalling planning application, which will have such a negative impact on so many households in the local area, not to mention all the wildlife that inhabits the proposed planning area."

Scarborough Town Council has also objected to the proposals due to "serious concerns about the damaging effects out-of-town developments can have on the footfall and viability of our town centre".

Commenting in support of the plans, ​Paul McGuire described the development as a "positive move" that would boost employment and amenities in the Eastfield and Cayton areas.

He added: "Clinging onto the idea of a thriving town centre high street is not going to help.

​"It just won't happen, times have changed, shopping habits have changed and we as a town need to adapt.

​​A full planning application has been submitted for the extension of the current park and ride facility, the creation of two new roundabouts, and the construction of an internal access road.

If approved, the developer would have permission to use commercial units for shops, cafés and restaurants, medical and health services, a tanning shop, and a hot food takeaway.

​​The application said: ​​"Indeed, there is currently a shortage of such facilities in this area, as identified by local residents during the pre-application public engagement."

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