Member Article

Developers bid to transform Teesside farmland

Developers are bidding to transform a three-acre plot of farmland in Middlesbrough.

Wetherby-based Oakgate Group is seeking planning permission for the site next to Tesco Extra off the A1085 Trunk Road near Eston.

Fast food giant McDonald’s and national pub chain Marston’s have already been signed up to operate from the site, creating more than 100 new jobs.

A statement supporting the application to Redcar and Cleveland Council says the project will deliver “significant” economic, social and environmental benefits.

“The proposal represents a significant investment into the South Bank ward, which is one of the most deprived wards in the country and is a regeneration priority,” it said.

“The proposal would create a significant number of new jobs in an area where unemployment levels are high. This would contribute towards the delivery of a thriving local economy.

“The site is located in a hugely sustainable location, is not at risk of flooding and would not result in the loss of or harm to any heritage assets or important wildlife habitats.”

The McDonald’s fast food restaurant would include a drive-through facility and employ about 65 full-time and part-time workers.

The pub will employ up to 50 staff, of which about 20 positions will be full-time, while the development will also include 111 car parking spaces.

The planning application adds: “The proposed new access road has been designed to accommodate the future development of the wider Low Grange Farm site, which is intended to include up to 1,000 new homes.”

The proposals come after the opening of the £40m Tesco store at Low Grange Farm last year.

The store created 300 jobs, and received 6,500 applications for the positions.

It is part of the wider efforts to regenerate the area, which have included the Low Grange Health Village and library which opened in 2010 and a £3.5m eco-village in South Bank, which was completed in 2011.

Redcar and Cleveland Council’s planning committee will rule on the application at a future date yet to be set.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .