09/11/09 - Objecting to Brockley Hall Proposals

Ms Amanda Skelton

Chief Executive

Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

Eston Town Hall

Fabian Road

South Bank, TS6 9AR

07 November 2009

Dear Ms Skelton,

I am writing to object to the planning application for the erection of sheltered housing on land adjacent to Brockley Hall - reference: R/2009/0536/CAM. I understand that the deadline for official letters of objection passed some time ago, however after meeting with local people specifically to discuss the application and having viewed the plans for myself I wanted to make you aware of my views.

I believe the proposed development is of poor design, will damage the natural landscape and mean an unacceptable loss of open space. These arguments have been well made in the 300 plus letters of objection that the council has received. I do not intend to repeat these in this letter. However, I wish to focus on three issues that I consider to be of crucial importance: the development detracts from Saltburns Victorian heritage, is contrary to the councils local development framework, and the lack of consultation and strength of feeling about the application locally.

1) Unique Victorian Heritage Saltburn is special precisely because it is unique. The centre has a distinctive Victorian character and as a result the town benefits from tourism and has a vibrant local economy. Protecting Saltburn from inappropriate development is critical in securing the towns prosperity.

The proposed development does not complement this unique character in terms of design, shape or building materials. The development will have a significant impact on the appearance and character of the area. Moreover, as the building is on a prominent corner it will be visible and obtrusive from all angles.

2) Local Development Framework The application is not in line with the councils local development framework. Policies DP2 and DP9 relate to preserving and enhancing a conservation area. As Brockley Hall resides in a conservation area, the council has a duty to preserve and enhance sites of an architectural and historical interest. This development clearly does not complement this objective. This is sufficient grounds under planning law to reject the application.

3) Consultation and Strength of Feeling I have spoken to scores of residents about this development and have yet to meet a supporter of the scheme. Moreover, few people seem ambivalent and most have strong opinions. In fact, I am informed that there has not been an issue that has united the community so unequivocally in many years.

Many residents feel consultation on the scheme has been poor. Hard copies of the scheme were not made available locally (despite there being several suitable council buildings in Saltburn) and the plans available online have been difficult to read. This strength of feeling should be taken into to account.

I understand current legislation relating to planning, and fear of a successful appeal and expensive court costs, means local authorities often veer on the side of recommendation in cases where the merits of an application are finely balanced. However, in this case I believe there are clear grounds for refusal.

I also appreciate that Christian Endeavour Holiday Centres Ltd have ambitious plans for Brockley Hall and understandably wish to improve facilities and become more commercially successful. I know that the Saltburn Civic Society Steering Group wish to meet with the owners to help formulate a plan which would not detrimentally impact the area. I am sure other stakeholders from the town would also welcome this opportunity.

In the time I have been involved in public life and community work, I have never seen a planning application arouse such interest and concern in such a small community. I very much hope that the committee take note of the objections and the fact there are clear grounds for refusal.

Yours sincerely

Paul Bristow

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland

Copy to: Ms Doreen Mealing, Cllr Dunning, Leader of the Council