North Skelton Club could be put back into further community use

A change of use planning application for North Skelton Club, in Holmbeck Road, Skelton, proposes it could be used for fitness classes and community groups, with a multi-sensory room for children also being added.

The building became vacant in April last year.

The change of use plans submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Council by applicant Warsett Limited said rooms inside would be refurbished and a bar area removed in order to be replaced with a kitchen.

There were no planned alterations to the external building, other than repairs to its fabric.

A supporting statement lodged with the plans said: “We feel that this application should be supported to bring a vacant unused building back to use and also offer a service for the local community. 

“The proposal would include refurbishment to stop the building falling into disrepair which could attract vandalism.”

The application said the building was in a “poor state of repair”.

No changes have been proposed to car parking, which includes an existing ten spaces, nor to any access arrangements.

The application said the first floor of the property had been used for residential purposes, in the shape of a four bedroom flat, and suggested it was “highly unlikely” it would remain so in the foreseeable future, and could be used for storage instead.

It also explained: “The existing signage would be replaced, but there would be no difference in any signs installed by way of size and visual appearance.”

The facility, if approved, would operate between 8am and 8pm, thus reducing any noise nuisance caused by its former function, it was said.

It is understood the freehold for the property was auctioned off in October last  year.

A consultation over the plans in order that people can comment ends on February 20.