Pub site extension plans submitted to council

Peter McGee has applied for planning permission to build a two-storey extension at the Griffin pub on Bader Avenue and Newton Avenue, Thornaby.

It is proposed to extend the “public house and retail development”, which also includes a Morrisons Daily store and a Pizza & Co takeaway, with five retail units at the ground floor, nine offices on the first floor and a reconfigured car park and service yard.

“Careful consideration has been given to the proposed development in terms of scale, character and general external appearance in order to ensure that the established street scene and local setting is respected and not unduly compromised,” says Rod Hepplewhite, principal planning consultant for Prism Planning, the developer’s agent, in a planning statement.

He said the car park would be “reconfigured and extended” to 51 spaces, including six accessible spaces, with an extended services area, storage for 14 bicycles and a new access from Bader Avenue to serve pub customers.

“The existing access from Newton Drive is to be widened and improved and a new access to the south is to be created, providing car parking for the retail units and the offices,” he added.

The developer says the site is the “preferable location” for the proposals, with no vacant units at other nearby shop parades, with three empty units in Thornaby town centre described as too large for the businesses.

It says the development will have a “positive economic impact” and provide construction, contractor, manufacturing, fit-out and retail work, describing the development as “visually attractive” and “a safe, inclusive and accessible building”.

The statement adds: “The proposed development will add to the vitality and vibrancy of the locality and provide enhanced local facilities for the local population… The surrounding area is lacking local facilities such as hairdressers, barbers, chemists, florists, greengrocers, butchers, bakers/confectioners, café or bookmakers.

“The proposed building, representing an extension to the existing buildings, is of a design and appearance in tune with and sympathetic to the existing buildings… It is not considered that the proposed building would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.”

It says neighbouring areas passed the “overshadowing to gardens and open spaces test”.  It also argues the scheme would not harm road safety or traffic, adding: “It is not considered that the proposed development would be a significant trip generator and that the proposed commodious parking arrangements would be more than adequate.

“Overall, it is considered that there are no adverse impacts associated with the proposed development which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal.”

Village ward Councillor Mick Moore has objected to the plan on grounds including loss of privacy overlooking into back gardens and rooms, loss of natural light to nearby properties, overdevelopment of a small car park, traffic and parking on surrounding estate roads “as access to the rear of the shopping precinct will be restricted” and “due to the loss of parking bays on the Griffin car park”.

He said previous similar applications had been rejected on these grounds, while the developer’s statement said the company previously put in plans for a two-storey extension with three shops and 21 “self-contained residential units” in 2021, but that proposal was withdrawn.