'We're being bulldozed and kept in the dark'

WORKS AT CHURCH HALL SPARK RESIDENTS' ANGER

- By DANIEL HODGSON

NORTH Ormesby residents have voiced their anger over the lack of consultation regarding the ongoing works at the former Methodist Church Halls.

Numerous residents have spoken out about being kept in the dark and have made the case that planning permission should be sought for any works on the building, arguing that the building has been abandoned for more than 20 years.

Concern has also been raised about road access to the neighbour-ing dementia centre, with a lack of parking by the former church halls.

A spokesperson for Middlesbrough Council responded that they have “engaged” with both the owner and intended tenants of a former church hall on Derwent Street.

In the council's view, the building was not abandoned and the council asserts that there is no change of use, which means planning permission is not required.

Scaffolding has been erected around the former Church Halls, located on Derwent Street.

The development comes after it was previously reported that work had been taking place on the halls in January and was halted by council officers. At the time, Middlesbrough Council said that work was “temporarily stopped”, explaining that officers would continue to liaise with the building's owners as well as local authorities.

The council was asked what “relevant checks” were carried out at the time. Responding, a spokesperson said: “In mid-January, the council advised that work should be stopped after public protection officers visited the site and a referral was made to the Health and Safety Executive.

“The council later installed safety fencing on the public footpath around the building after tiles were blown from the roof during high winds.”

It's understood that work is underway to restore the building for use as a mosque.

A number of individuals voiced their concerns to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, as part of a wider group of North Ormesby residents.