Concerns have been raised over the £15m plan for Guisborough town centre

Concerns have been raised over a £15m town centre regeneration plan which critics say could “destroy” the area.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has submitted a planning application for Guisborough town centre, in a bid to maintain and enhance the town’s character and popularity.

However, Guisborough Council and former councillor Anne Watts have expressed doubts about the necessity of the plan and concerns about its impact.

The scheme would be funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund. If approved, work would begin in early 2025.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, new seating and zebra crossings are being installed, footpaths are being widened and new lighting is being installed around Westgate, Market Place, Chaloner Street and small parts of Church Street and Fountain Street.

A special space would also be created on the Marktplein, at the Marktplein, where the intention is to create a market again. At the same time, space would be made for new public art installations.

Ms Watts, who represented Belmont as an independent on the council, said only 300 people had responded to the plans online but a “proper consultation exercise” should be organised.

She also said the plan would lead to the “destruction” of the city centre and “rip the heart out of the city”.

A planning statement acknowledged the scheme would have a “minor negative impact” on the character and appearance of the conservation area, while traffic could be brought to a “standstill” at busy times by the narrowing of Westgate and increased number of zebra crossings.

Guisborough councillor Bill Clarke also said local ward members had not been properly consulted, while Guisborough Council’s planning committee raised a number of concerns.

This included an ‘adverse’ effect on monumental buildings in the area and the need for a kind of terrace café in a place where there were no cafés.

The planning statement, drawn up by consultants Lichfields, said the improvements would create a ‘more vibrant, multi-functional’ streetscape.

Lynn Pallister, a Labour councillor, said the plan would “preserve and enhance the character and popularity of the historic centre”. She added that the local community had had “significant involvement”.