Whitby residents criticise £10m maritime centre 'monstrosity' plan

The new centre would be based at Endeavour Wharf in Whitby

A maritime centre intended to celebrate a town's fishing and sailing heritage has been described as a "monstrosity" amid dozens of objections to the plans.

Plans for the £10m Whitby Maritime Hub at Endeavour Wharf have been submitted by North Yorkshire Council.

But some local residents have voiced opposition to the plan, saying it did not fit the character of the area.

The council said the hub would offer training for maritime industries and "open doors to new economic growth".

Since the application was submitted last month, more than 30 objections have been lodged against the centre, which would be built on Langborne Road.

Other concerns have been voiced about the impact on businesses, existing parking arrangements and flooding.

'Too imposing'

Resident Dorothy Russell said: "I cannot believe this monstrosity will be built on the harbourside in a zone three floodplain.

"The building is very formidable and not in keeping with our historic town."

Another resident, Sarah Blackwell, said: "The building is not in keeping with the surrounding area - the colour and height are far too imposing.

"Whitby is a town of historic beauty and any buildings in such a prominent position should be sympathetic to this."

The majority of the site has been used as a public car park for the past 20 years, but Endeavour Wharf is still set to retain around 200 parking spaces.

Andrew Savage, who runs a charter boat for anglers, said parking issues were "costing him customers".

"The anglers who come to fish on my charter boat arrive around 5-6am daily, so park and ride isn't an option. 

"The issue of restricted and expensive parking is costing me customers, who have commented how Hartlepool is so much better and cheaper for parking. One hat doesn't suit all."

Whitby's Harbour Authority would also be based at the hub, North Yorkshire Council says

The council previously said concerns about the hub being located on a flood plain had been mitigated as "the building will be designed to flood".

Plans stated that the ground floor of the building would have flood resilience measures built into it, with water-resistant materials used in the construction.

So far, only two public comments in favour of the scheme have been submitted.

Supporting the plans, councillor Neil Swannick said it would help revive the town's fishing and sailing heritage.

He added that it would enable young people to gain maritime skills to "guarantee Whitby a workforce able to compete with other small ports".