Community building at Stokesley Road, Middlesbrough

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey community building with parking, landscaping, a community garden and associated external works.

“Planning permission is sought for a community building with associated 13 space car park and landscaping. The building has a footprint that measures approximately 18 metres in length and 15 metres in width, and its height is 2.7 metres to the eaves and 4.0 metres to the ridge of the dual-pitched roof.”

“To the south of the building is the community garden area which would be enclosed with a 2.1-metre-high weld mesh fence. To the northeast of the building is the 13-space car park which is constructed out of concrete. A concrete footpath would also surround the building and connect to the car park.”

Officer report

Planning history and policy

The site had no relevant planning history, but the proposal departed from the adopted residential allocation while fitting an emerging community hub allocation.

“There is no relevant planning history associated with the application site.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

No residents objected, and planning, highways, flooding, environmental health and security consultees raised no objection subject to specified conditions.

“Highway Planning – No objections subject to conditions There are no objections to the proposals subject to three conditions requiring details of the cycle store, a method of works statement, and details of the construction of the site access.”

“Environmental Health – No objections subject to conditions No objections to the proposals. The requested hours of use should be conditioned to restrict the use of the community centre to appropriate times. A Phase 2 Site Investigation was submitted with the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A resident supported the building, describing it as community-focused, well designed and in keeping with the area.

What members discussed

A member questioned the parking provision, while officers said most users would walk or cycle and highways confirmed the spaces met guidance.

“A Member raised concern over the number of parking spaces available the Development Control Manager stated that the majority of people would walk or cycle to the centre as it was centrally located. The Highways Officer clarified that the number of car parking spaces met the Tees Valley Highway Design Guide.”

Minutes