Town centre plans approved after cobbles tweak

The footpaths will be widened around Guisborough town centre as part of the changes

Controversial plans to revamp a town centre have been unanimously approved by a local authority.

The redesign of Guisborough town centre was met with criticism earlier this year over plans to remove historic cobbles on Westgate.

But in the final draft, the changes to the cobbles were scaled back and proposed parking bay markings were dropped from the plans.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Carolyn Curr said she "could not have supported the original plan" but the latest design had a "much lighter touch".

The scheme is being funded by £15m secured by the council from government levelling up funds.

"The levelling up funding represents the biggest investment in Guisborough for some time," Curr said.

"The town is tired and needs this investment."

Plans to remove the historic cobbles on Westgate were scaled back in the final plans

Under the plans, changes would be made to Westgate, Chaloner Street, Market Place, Church Street and Fountain Street, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

More room for pedestrians will be provided by widening footpaths while outdoor seating will be created for use by local businesses.

Benches, cycle stands, lighting, new signage and artwork will also be installed.

Historic England said the design was acceptable but it remained concerned about proposed terracing at the north-west end of Westgate and the use of mixture of materials on Chaloner Street.

The council received 25 objections, along with a protest petition consisting of 100 signatures.

Among the concerns were fears businesses would be negatively impacted.

Councillor Stephen Martin said: "Business owners may suffer in the short-term, but in the long-term it is going to benefit them and the town as a whole."

Councillor Stuart Smith, the chairman of the committee, said: “You can’t please everyone in the decisions that we make.

"But this will preserve a conservation area and the historic street scene that we know and love in Guisborough."

Work is expected to start next year once a contractor has been found.