Gospel hall planning appeal is thrown out

THORNFIELD GOSPEL HALL TRUST LEFT 'DISAPPOINTED' BY OUTCOME

- By DANIEL HODGSON Local Democracy Reporter

RENEWED hopes for a gospel hall in Nunthorpe have been dashed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Last September, a £3.5m project to construct a new building for use by the religious group Plymouth Brethren suffered a blow after an application for planning permission was turned down. At the time, the development was described as much needed due to the expanding numbers of worshippers.

Now, the resulting appeal, following Middlesbrough Council's refusal, has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

The outcome was registered on the council's planning portal on August 5, 11 months after the planning committee originally gave the plans the thumbs down.

The main issues detailed by the Inspectorate questioned whether the proposed development would have an acceptable effect on the character and appearance of the area. Concern was also raised as to whether the project would lead to harmful effects on highway safety or the function of the public highway, although concluding remarks allayed this latter fear.