Teesworks plan approved but questions stand

DETAILED INFO ON THE SCHEME 'CHALLENGING', MEETING HEARS

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

OUTLINE consent has been given for a drive-through restaurant, hotel, pub and filling station close to Teesworks, despite reservations from some councillors.

The development would be on vacant land between the A1053 Greystone Road /A1085 Trunk Road roundabout and the Lackenby steelworks site.

Members of Redcar and Cleveland Council's regulatory committee were told they were considering the principle of development only, with a detailed scheme yet to be fully drawn up and likely to be considered later as part of so called 'reserved matters'.

The plans were first announced more than two years ago with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen describing how the scheme would "serve thousands of workers coming to Teesworks, while also offering a welcome boost for nearby Grangetown and Teesville through stores and restaurants".

But while there was broad agreement that a development was welcomed, some councillors appeared perplexed by what was being asked of them, repeatedly asking questions of the council's development services manager Claire Griffiths and bemoaning a lack of information.