Some games have managed to get away with incorporating generative AI, with Arc Raiders openly admitting to using AI voicework and still becoming very popular. Others not so much, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Crimson Desert removing and apologising for their use of AI artwork they claim was only included by mistake.
Now, it’s multiplayer game Party Animals’ turn to deal with player ire and backlash, with its community turning on it after it announced an AI video contest.
Advertisement
Initially released in 2023 for Xbox consoles and PC, with a PlayStation 5 port dropping last year, Party Animals is a physics-based party game where players take control of cartoon animals and fight to be the last one standing.
It’s a deliberately silly kind of game, with players flopping and falling over the place, and it’s been relatively successful, earning positive reviews and nominations for Best Multiplayer at The Game Awards in 2023 and the BAFTA Games Awards in 2024.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Advertisement
The point is it had a good reputation; one that’s now in jeopardy thanks to the aforementioned AI video contest. The announcement came yesterday, with Party Animals fans encouraged to submit AI generated videos for a chance to win a share of $75,000 (about £55,500) of cash prizes.
‘A short film you’ve been dreaming of making, a story that breaks all the rules, a character tribute to your favourite beast… In the past, ideas like these could only exist in your head. Now, with AI, they finally have a chance to become reality,’ reads the X post.
the fact that you have $75,000 to give away and you’re going to give it to someone who uses gen ai instead of an actual artist is actually mind boggling.
The rules state that entries must primarily be made with AI tools, but there’s no mention of submissions needing to only be based on Party Animals.
Amusingly, the rules also say that plagiarism is not tolerated when that’s one of the key issues with AI-generated videos and art – they’re not making anything original and are stealing from other sources.
Not that any of this matters as the response has been overwhelmingly negative. ‘Just a hunch here. But you know how all the artists and creative on your team no doubt told you this was a terrible idea. It is. Fire the dumb ass that pushed for this. He might’ve tanked this games reputation,’ reads the top response on X by RubberRoss.
‘2.6 million views, 454 likes, and 2,050 quotes with a probably large chunk bringing attention to your poor choice and either uninstalling your game, cancelling their plans to buy it, or otherwise vote with their wallets. (Like I am. Y’all ain’t getting a single red cent from me.)’ reads another by VTuber Starjumpersix.
Advertisement
‘Congrats, this could have been a proper art contest that got you more good will, attention, and maybe even more revenue, but now you got the opposite,’ says Anura Litho.
Even the PartyAnimalsAIVideoContest hashtag, which is supposed to be used for video submissions, has barely any activity and most of the X posts are angry reactions and disparaging comments.
Don’t miss Gaming news! Add us as a Preferred Source
As a loyal GameCentral reader, we want to make sure you never miss our articles when searching for gaming stories. We have all the latest video games news, reviews, previews, and interviews, with a vibrant community of highly engaged readers.
Click the button below and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.
GameCentral has been delivering unique games news and reviews for over a decade
This anger has seeped over to the game’s Steam page, where you can see it’s become flooded with over 1,000 negative reviews since yesterday, after years of mostly positive feedback.
‘Literally cannot believe the stupidity in hosting an AI art contest,’ says Bepis, who has over 38 hours of play time on Party Animals.
Advertisement
CowBells, who has over 59 hours of play time, doesn’t mention the contest, but it’s obvious what their review is referring to: ‘You could’ve shut your mouth, cooked, and made as much money as you ever needed. It was perfect. But, no, you just had to blow it up. You and your pride and your ego! You just had to be the man. If you’d done your job, known your place, we’d all be fine right now.’
‘Their AI video contest announcement is beyond disappointing, destroying a beloved game’s reputation, if they don’t backpedal there is no future for this game,’ writes RukiHyena, who has over 104 hours of playtime.
At the time of writing, the Party Animals account has not issued any follow-up comments nor has the game’s developer, Recreate Games, responded to the backlash.
It’s also too soon to tell if player numbers will be seriously impacted by this, but you can assume there’s not going to be any more AI contests after this.
Advertisement
Will fans actually keep their word and drop Party Animals entirely? (Recreate Games)
These outfits are coming up roses… (Picture: Metro/Getty)
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
Summer events are starting to pop up in our diaries, whether it’s a day at the races, weddings or garden parties, the pressure of finding something to wear slowly creeps in, and suddenly it’s the day before, standing in front of your wardrobe hating everything.
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
One event to kick off a summer of fun is the regal and blooming lovely RHS Chelsea Flower Show, which is happening from 19th to 23rd May. It’s a world-famous event showcasing some of the most spectacular arrangements of florals that aim to inspire and educate visitors.
Advertisement
With members of the Royal Family often in attendance, with the likes of King Charles and Queen Camilla showing up, and style icon The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton mingling amongst TV and film royalty with Cate Blanchett, Dame Joanna Lumley, Zoe Ball, Myleene Klass and the lovely Mary Berry making appearances, it is recommended to always look your best as you never know who you’ll bump into.
Whether you’re a fan of a traditional summer shirt dress or want to keep it cool, calm, and collected with a tailored blazer to dress up your denim, then look no further, we’ve shopped the high street to find you affordable outfit inspirations so you can embody the event and look and feel your best all day long.
Shop the best outfits for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show:
Karen Millen Premium Viscose Linen Woven Shirt Dress With Gold Buckle Belt
Let’s take notes from Princess Kate and her iconic Me+Em pink shirt dress that she wore back in 2023.
The style is one of those classic designs which doesn’t only automatically have a smart edge with its collar and cuff details, but it’s one you can rewear season after season and it will never go out of fashion.
Advertisement
This Karen Millen alternative is brilliant with it’s bright pink shade and a high waist belt that can cinch you in and show off your natural curves.
If you’ve already got your outfit sorted but are worried about being caught out by the unpredictable British weather then a blazer should be your go-to.
It will add a tailored finish in any outfit you pair it with, whilst providing a more expensive price tag to the ensemble.
Roll up the sleeves for a more daytime, relaxed vibe, or simply drape over your shoulders for an off-duty, fashion-forward look.
River Island Yellow Short Sleeve Asymmetric Drape Jumpsuit
A jumpsuit is always a fool-proof outfit idea when attending events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show as you can have control over how formal or casual you want to go.
Pair with trainers and a denim jacket for a more daytime edge, or opt for wedges and a blazer to amp up the style points.
The butter yellow colourway of this River Island option is a perfect nod to the season, whilst being too loud.
We’re believers in dressing up and feeling your confident self at all times, and this M&S dress will give you that boost.
Advertisement
From the decorative jacquard fabric that gives the design subtle floral motifs throughout, the flattering peplum waistline that creates a more slender silhouette, to the punchy red hue, this is an all around winner that can be worn with sandals, heels, wedges or trainers.
Rewear to garden parties, wedding guest-dressing, or other formal occasions in your calendar.
Tailoring is a big trend for Spring, and when combined with seasonal shades such as this soft blue it’s a winning combination.
Take your ensemble up another level by choosing a coordinating two-piece with matching trousers for an extra £71.20 to give it that cohesive energy that will have everyone asking you where your outfit is from.
Pair it with sandals or trainers to keep it more daytime.
Since losing at the Etihad Stadium, Arsenal have responded in fine fashion by winning all three Premier League games without conceding a goal and reaching the Champions League final.
While the Gunners will be expected to claim victory over an already relegated side, it’s worth remembering that Burnley have taken points off Manchester United, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Chelsea in 2026.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Arsenal vs Burnley is scheduled for a 8pm BST kick-off on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Advertisement
The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium, in north London.
Where to watch Arsenal vs Burnley
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports. Coverage begins at 6.30pm BST on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app.
Advertisement
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri at the ground.
Arsenal vs Burnley team news
Caretaker manager Mike Jackson has no fresh injury concerns as he plots a victory that should be enough to ensure Burnley avoid finishing bottom of the table.
A late call will be made on midfielder Hannibal Mejbri after he picked up a knock in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Josh Cullen, Connor Roberts and Jordan Beyer remain out.
Advertisement
Doubtful: Riccardo Calafiori
Getty
Arsenal vs Burnley prediction
With Man City now ahead on goal difference, by one, there will be a lot of talk about Arsenal needing to win by a big margin in case the Premier League title race comes down to that.
However, the reality is that back-to-back 1-0 wins against Burnley and then Crystal Palace on the final day of the season would secure the title for the Gunners.
Advertisement
Still, with this being the final home game of the campaign and an electric atmopshere expected, the Arsenal players will want to put on a show for the supporters.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
Interestingly, perhaps, Burnley have managed to avoid defeat on two of their last three visits to the Emirates – winning there 1-0 in December 2020.
The Met Police is launching an unprecedented operation to stop violence and hate speech erupting in London at two marches on FA Cup Final day.
For the first time live facial recognition and new powers to target hate speech will be used to maintain public order.
Protesters clash with police officers in Trafalgar Square during the Unite the Kingdom march last September
Getty
Police chiefs are concerned that football hooligans may head to London, on FA Cup Final day, to join the Unite the Kingdom march which is expected to be led by Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Advertisement
Some 4,000 officers, including 660 from outside London, will be deployed in the capital to prevent violence, antisemitism, anti-Muslim and other hate speech.
Here’s everything we know about the two rallies.
People taking part in the Unite the Kingdom protest must remain in Kingsway until the rally begins.
Anyone participating in the march must not deviate from the designated route, shown on the map below, which is Kingsway, Aldwych, Strand, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square.
Advertisement
The route of the Unite the Kingdom march
Met Police
Speeches or music at the post-march assembly must end by 5.30pm.
The assembly must finish by 6pm.
Organisers and speakers at the assembly must ensure all content displayed and broadcast (including speeches, pre-recorded videos and imagery) does not include content likely to stir up racial or religious hatred.
Advertisement
Nakba 78/United Against Tommy Robinson and the Far Right protest
People taking part in the Nakba 78/United Against Tommy Robinson and the Far Right protest must remain in Exhibition Road until the march begins.
Anyone participating in the march must not deviate from the route, shown on the map below, which is Exhibition Road, Cromwell Gardens, Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, Piccadilly, Pall Mall.
The designated route for the Nakba Day march
Met Police
Advertisement
Speeches or music at the post-march assembly must finish by 5pm.
The assembly must end by 5.30pm.
Organisers and speakers at the assembly must ensure all content displayed and broadcast (including speeches, pre-recorded videos and imagery) does not include content likely to stir up racial or religious hatred.
How many people are expected?
Advertisement
Around 50,000 people are expected by the Met to join the Unite the Kingdom protest, and some 30,000 the march to mark Nakba Day.
What is the Met police’s approach?
Given the scale of the challenge to keep law and order with two marches on FA Cup Final day, the Met’s plan involves “the most assertive possible use of powers including strict conditions”.
Officers from the Met Police Mounted Branch look toward protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square during the “Unite The Kingdom” rally last September
Getty
Advertisement
What police resources is Scotland Yard deploying?
Specialist armed police units will be on standby and police helicopters and drones will watch from the skies.
Mounted police, dog teams, traffic units, large numbers of police with riot equipment, and detectives will be among the 4,000 officers on the streets.
Football hooligans warning
Advertisement
Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said: “We need to be mindful this Saturday of the history of football hooligan groups supporting causes fronted by Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.”
Speakers who engage in antisemitic, anti-Muslim or other hate speech will face arrest, and protest organisers may also be prosecuted under police powers being used for the first time.
People who use chants such as “Death to the IDF” or “Globalise the Intifada” will face arrest, as will individuals who commit anti-Muslim hatred.
Live facial recognition will be used for the first time as part of a public order operation but not on march routes.
Advertisement
Instead, it will be used at a location in Camden borough where suspected offenders, on a “watch list”, may gather ahead of the United the Kingdom march.
Darren England, the VAR for the Arsenal game, spent two minutes 41 seconds poring over every angle of the footage, checking the possible foul, and potential penalties.
That length of time made sense, as there were multiple incidents to check.
Once at the monitor, referee Chris Kavanagh was there for one minute 15 seconds and watched 17 different replays.
Advertisement
In total, the review lasted four minutes 11 seconds.
It was markedly quicker at Fir Park, though there was only one thing to review.
The Celtic game was stopped for one minute 25 seconds while the VAR, Andrew Dallas, carried out a penalty check.
But once referee John Beaton went to the pitchside monitor, he was there for only 20 seconds and watched just two replays.
Advertisement
Dallas also rocked-and-rolled the frames, presenting this as clear proof that the ball had hit the Motherwell midfielder’s hand.
It was two minutes four seconds from the potential handball to the spot-kick being awarded – half the time of the contentious decision at the London Stadium.
VARs in Scottish football are hindered by one key factor: resources.
In England, a minimum of 28 cameras, though often more, are available to the VAR at each ground.
Advertisement
But up in Scotland, most games have a minimum of just six cameras, going up to 12 for the fixtures selected for live television broadcast.
That the VAR was only able to present one camera angle to the referee highlighted the limitations. Beaton was only shown what everybody at home had watched on television.
It should be remembered that referees must have a level of trust that in the VAR, that when they get to the screen it is only because they have made a clear error.
It is why, at all levels, there are only a handful of times each season that a referee sticks with their own decision.
Advertisement
It is why the VAR is the real arbiter.
So regardless of whether the ball does actually touch Nicholson’s hand, it was a bold move for the VAR to determine he had definitive evidence.
“VAR was introduced to, in Fifa’s terminology, not to look for pebbles but look for boulders,” former Scottish Premiership referee Bobby Madden told 5 Live.
“Last night isn’t a pebble, it is not even a grain of sand. It goes against the whole ethos of why VAR was introduced.”
Advertisement
Perhaps it says a lot that fans found it necessary to create and share fake images on social media as supposed definitive proof.
Neville Jones told a jury at Newcastle Crown Court that the slap was “clearly a serious error of judgment”.
The former Durham County Council member for Aycliffe East and Aycliffe town councillor is on trial accused of two counts of sexual assault by touching, both of which he denies.
The court heard on Wednesday (May 13) that he slapped the officer, then said it was something he had “always wanted to do […] in a Benny Hill way”, referring to the bawdy slapstick humour of the late comedian.
Giving evidence on Thursday (May 14) he claimed there was no sexual intention in what he did, as his wife was only a few feet away.
Advertisement
He described it as, “a bit of fun”, but told the court he wishes he had not done it, due to the consequences for all concerned.
Jones, 60, of Van Mildert Road, Newton Aycliffe, accepted making the remark that he, “had always wanted to do that”, but he claimed he said it, “in a comedic way”.
Neville Jones. (Image: Durham County Council)
The second charge relates to Jones allegedly grabbing a woman’s breast years before the slap.
The court heard he was said to have later claimed that he tripped and fell towards the woman.
Advertisement
Jones described the allegations as “ludicrous” and said the woman making that claim, and other witnesses who backed up her story, were telling lies.
Asked by Mr Fish why they would make it up, he said he could only think there was a financial motive, as the complainant may be seeking some form of compensation.
He also said the complaint may have been made from “jealousy” due to his prominent position in the community.
Asked what he meant by that, he said: “People are always jealous.
Advertisement
“It’s the culture of building people up and knocking them down again.”
Mr Fish then put it to the defendant: “Isn’t the truth more straightforward, that what was said you did […] was true?”
The defendant denied it, and when Mr Fish suggested that he was again portraying himself as the “victim in all this”, he also replied: “No”.
Character references were read to the court, highlighting the defendant’s community-spirited nature, in which he was referred to as, “dedicated, upstanding and well-regarded”.
Advertisement
He was also described as having, “a warm, tactile manner, but never with a sexual intent”.
Production will continue at plants in GB and the Netherlands
Twenty-nine jobs will be lost when Trouw Nutrition closes its North Belfast production facility at the end of September, the company has confirmed.
Advertisement
Trouw Nutrition manufactures livestock feed at its Ship Street plant, which is used in farms across Northern Ireland, producing meat, eggs and milk.
On Thursday, the company confirmed plans to close its Belfast plant on September 30, following what it describes as “a carefully managed transition period”.
The company’s commercial, sales, technical support, and customer relationship teams, which operate from an office in Belfast’s Clarendon Dock, are not impacted by the closure of the factory.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the company said: “As a priority, this planned transition is intended to strengthen the long-term resilience, quality and reliability of how Trouw Nutrition serves our customers. Our focus throughout the transition period is on maintaining the consistent supply, service quality and proximity expected from a trusted partner.
Advertisement
“Going forward, product supply will be delivered through Trouw Nutrition’s European network, including our purpose-built sites in GB and the Netherlands. At a local level this will be further supplemented through an expanded supply agreement with our long-term partner, Newtownards-based North Down Grain (NDG).”
Speaking of the changes, Pieter Bastiaanssen, Managing Director of Trouw Nutrition Europe and Central Asia, said: “We fully recognise the impact this decision has on our colleagues, and we regret the disruption it brings. However, it is a necessary step to address long‑standing structural challenges and ensure our production set‑up can meet increasingly demanding quality, traceability and compliance requirements in the future.
“Our commitment to this very important market remains firm. We are making targeted investments to enable a gradual, well‑controlled transition that strengthens the resilience and reliability of how we serve our customers across the island of Ireland.”
In his resignation letter, Mr Streeting blamed the “unprecedented” election results in part on “the unpopularity of this Government”, adding: “There are many reasons we could point to: from individual mistakes on policy like the decision to cut the winter fuel allowance to the ‘island of strangers’ speech, all of which have left the country not knowing who we are or what we really stand for.”
Liam Rush handed himself into the police hours after fatally stabbing Granville Graham
15:12, 14 May 2026Updated 15:20, 14 May 2026
A man has admitted to stabbing a man at a Cambridge hostel in a “tragic and deeply distressing incident”. Liam Rush, 31, stabbed Granville Graham, 58, multiple times in his bedroom at the Chesterton Road hostel where they both lived at around 1am on February 25 2025.
Rush left the scene after the incident. Eight hours later, he arrived at Parkside Police Station to hand himself in to police.
He admitted to murder at Peterborough Crown Court on Thursday (May 14). Rush is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, July 8.
Advertisement
Detective Inspector Caeva Taylor, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a tragic and deeply distressing incident, our thoughts remain with Granville’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
In a statement, Granville’s family said: “Granville, talented barber and singer, was a special soul with an infectious, happy-go-lucky spirit that brightened the lives of everyone around him.
“Known for his incredible sense of humour, he could effortlessly make others laugh. His selflessness and willingness to help anyone in need made him a true source of support for many.
“He leaves behind nine sisters, one brother, eight children, one grandchild and countless family and friends who loved him dearly. His passing has left a hole in our hearts and the hearts of communities in Cambridge, London and Jamaica.”
To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community.Click this linkto receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Is Man On Fire heading to the top of the Netflix charts? (Picture: Juan Rosas/Netflix)
It’s that time again, when the week’s drawing to a close and we’re all busy planning our weekend viewing.
It’s going to be a busy couple of days on the box, with the likes of the FA Cup and Eurovision taking centre stage, but if you’re after something a little different there’s no need to worry as Netflix will have you covered.
This week’s top five most-watched chart really does have something for everyone, whether you’re into romcom, true crime or fancy a few action thrills.
But can Man On Fire hang in there in the top spot or has something else blazed a path to the top? Let’s take a look at the five shows you’ve all been watching…
Advertisement
5. If Wishes Could Kill – 3,600,000 views
Get personalised updates on all things Netflix
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
Advertisement
If Wishes Could Kill has pulled in a whole lot of viewers (Picture: Darae Lee/Netflix)
Kicking off this week’s countdown is this YA horror series from South Korea, a cautionary saga which suggests you should be careful what you wish for.
If Wishes Could Kill follows five high school students who discover a mobile app called Gringo, which claims to make its users’ wishes come true.
However, things quickly turn more sinister after a classmate dies unexpectedly, and the students discover that the app is predicting their deaths too — leaving them to uncover the truth behind Gringo before anybody else meets their maker.
It’s a familiar enough storyline, one which has sparked the inevitable comparisons to the Final Destination movies, but this is scary and engaging enough to be worth your while.
4. My Royal Nemesis – 3,900,000 views
My Royal Nemesis has been crowned champion of the non-English language chart (Picture: Netflix)
From horror to romcom now with this royal-themed miniseries, also from South Korea, taking the crown for the most watched non-English language show of the week.
My Royal Nemesis blends time-travel fantasy and comedy to tell the story of a legendary villainess from the country’s Joseon dynasty, whose soul is transferred into the present day, landing in the body of an aspiring actress.
As she gradually takes over her host and adapts to modern life, matters are further complicated when she crosses paths with a ruthless tycoon. Cue love-hate dynamics galore.
Advertisement
3. Worst Ex Ever: Season 2 – 8,000,000 views
Worst Ex Ever isn’t easy viewing – but it’s compelling (Picture: Netflix)
Shocking true crime series Worst Ex Ever – focusing on disturbing accounts of domestic violence and coercive control – was such a big hit when it dropped on Netflix in 2024, reaching the top 10 charts in 65 countries, that it’s on surprise to see it return.
As with the first series, it focuses on four particular cases, including the story of Kelly and ‘perfect man’ Wade, who turned out to be anything but, and a former 90-Day Fiance star hiding a dark secret from his girlfriend.
We also meet Katie, whose girlfriend Joyce revealed herself to have violent control issues, as well as Karen, who filed a restraining order against her partner Scott, only for him to enact a terrifying revenge.
It’s far from easy viewing – in fact it’s utterly chilling at times – but this is compelling stuff that deserves all the praise it’s had from viewers.
2. Should I Marry A Murderer? – 8,000,000 views
Should I Marry A Murderer? remains a hit with viewers (Picture: Netflix)
More true crime now, with this one hanging in there in the runners-up spot for a second week.
Should I Marry A Murderer? is a British documentary series which tells the true story of Caroline Muirhead, a pathologist whose fiance, Alexander ‘Sandy’ McKellar, confessed to her in 2020 that he had been involved in a fatal hit and run accident three years earlier.
The series documents how the couple met on Tinder, his subsequent confession and how Caroline became a ‘fiancee turned key witness’ when she stayed engaged to Alexander while gathering evidence against him.
Advertisement
1. Man On Fire – 12,600,000 views
Man On Fire is ablaze at the top of the charts (Picture: Juan Rosas/Netflix)
Spending a second week in pole position, it’s the small screen remake of 2004 Denzel Washington thriller Man on Fire — and the show just keeps on racking up viewers, adding a massive 12 million to its tally over the past few days.
Both the TV show and film are based on A.J. Quinnell’s 1980 novel of the same name, with The Watchmen’s Yahya Abdul-Mateen ll taking over where Washington left off as the fearsome but fragile bodyguard John Creasy.
Advertisement
With a 60 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this one’s proved more of a hit with critics than the movie, which scored just 39 per cent, with Abdul-Mateen’s performance coming in for particular praise.
Advertisement
The question is — will its run at number one be extinguished next week?
Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Hambleton area planning committee today (Thursday, May 14) voted in favour of an application to redevelop the former Hambleton District Council offices at Stone Cross in Northallerton.
The proposal will see the offices demolished and the plot redeveloped into a three-storey specialist care facility for elderly residents.
The plans have been submitted by LNT Care Developments Ltd.
Advertisement
The care home will include 66 ensuite bedrooms, communal lounges, a coffee bar, library, garden room, tearoom, sky bar and landscaped gardens for residents.
Plans also include 25 parking spaces, electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and ancillary buildings.
Great Ayton councillor, Heather Moorhouse, was one of several councillors who said they thought the parking was insufficient.
She said: “There’s not enough car parking to satisfy me that people can go along there and visit their relatives.
Advertisement
“I do support the whole scheme, it’s fantastic, but that’s a problem that I’ve got.”
Councillor Bryn Griffiths, member for Stokesley, added: “My main concern comes down to this issue of parking.
“I’ve spent a lot of time visiting my wife in a similar facility and parking is an issue. There are visitors coming to visit their relatives in the residence, there’s tradesmen coming, contractors coming to do work, health care people arriving, social services, etc, etc.
“I feel that 25 park parking spaces from my own experience will be insufficient.”
Advertisement
But Councillor Steve Watson, member for the Northallerton North and Brompton division, said motorists could park in the parking area serving the next-door leisure centre if needed.
He said: “It’s a good quality application and delivers really what the area needs.
“The fact that there only appears to be one local objection really says it all.”
The existing civic centre building became vacant following local government reorganisation and the creation of North Yorkshire Council.
Advertisement
Officers said the current office building was “of no particular architectural merit” and its demolition was considered acceptable.
North Yorkshire Council, which owns the building, received nine bids when the site was marketed, with none of these bids proposing to keep the existing building.
The sale of the site to the care home operator was described as a “win, win, win” situation by deputy leader Gareth Dadd when agreed last year.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login