Dozens Object To Major 'New Town Centre' Retail Park Proposal In Scarborough

More than 60 residents and the local town council have submitted letters objecting to a proposed retail park on Filey Road in Scarborough, citing concerns over its impact on the existing high street, the environment, and local traffic.

Dozens of residents have objected to the construction of a major new ‘retail destination’ in North Yorkshire with a supermarket, cafés, a petrol station, and a tanning salon.

Proposals for a 2,700 square metre supermarket and other shops, a drive-through, pharmacies, and restaurants at Filey Road in Scarborough have been met with dozens of objections from local residents.

More than 60 letters have been sent to the council, many of which detail concerns about the development’s impact on town centre businesses and on the local environment and biodiversity, as well as noise and sound pollution that could affect neighbouring properties.

Concerns were also raised about pedestrian safety and access as well as light pollution.

Objector, Marion Hawkins, said:

“As a local resident, I believe this development is totally unnecessary.

“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.”

However, not all residents are opposed to the plan, with several locals stating their support for the scheme proposed by Cliff Court Developments Ltd.

Paul McGuire said:

“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.

“This is a positive move that will boost employment and provide much-needed amenities to the ever-expanding Eastfield and Cayton areas.”

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.

The outline plans – which would see more detailed proposals submitted after approval – include a wide range of potential businesses and services.

“Strong interest” has already been expressed by potential occupiers, but the “end operators have not yet been selected, and therefore the applicant seeks permission for a range of uses to provide maximum flexibility and to enable the development to respond to changing market conditions,” according to Lichfields, the agent for the application.

Local resident Lisa Al-Bizri stated:

“The proposed 24-hour nature of a major supermarket and drive-thru units is entirely incompatible with the existing residential character of Filey Road.”

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

Jennifer Blyth-Rouse, who opposes the scheme, said:

“There are already sufficient supermarkets and shops within reach, and we need tourists to fund the town shops and events.

“A new retail park would stop this from happening. The town relies on footfall and the present park and ride would be sufficient.”

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.

“We moved to Sea View Crescent to enjoy a quiet and peaceful retirement, which so far has been ideal. Close to the sea, and a lovely view of the countryside from our bungalow, which would be ruined if this proposed application is allowed to go ahead.

Commenting in support of the application, resident Colin Braithwaite noted:

“I feel a supermarket is an essential need in that area, particularly with the new development across the road, and if a drive-through were to be a coffee shop, I think it would be well used and one of the few on that side of the town.”

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 proposal states that the park and ride is served by the No. 165 bus service, which provides access to Scarborough town centre and runs every 20 minutes, seven days a week, between April and November.

The application adds:

“The proposed commercial development will significantly improve the range, accessibility and availability of local shops, services and facilities to local residents and tourists.

“Indeed, there is currently a shortage of such facilities in this area, as identified by local residents during the pre-application public engagement.”

North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the plans which are open to representations by members of the public.