A NORTH-EAST heritage group is opposing a planning application for a seafront restaurant and bar.

The Respect Saltburn’s Heritage group, as well as residents, gathered at the town’s Community Theatre to discuss the application of a proposed rebuild of a shelter and viewing platform on Marine Parade.

Reasons behind residents and the group opposing the application, which was lodged by Oleos Leisure Ltd, include the building is above street level, the restrictive covenant, there is no wildlife impact statement, no odour abatement on the building and the significant change to the sea banks.

Jim Rogers chair of the group, said: “We are the people in Saltburn that pay our taxes, 365 days a year, and yet I feel increasingly whatever we feel is of inferior interest in certain quarters and in respect of our natural history and natural beauty.

“We feel that the principle focus should be on Saltburn and its residents and their needs rather than commercial needs.”

Phil Wrigley, also part of the Respect Saltburn’s Heritage group, led a presentation explaining that a restrictive covenant was still legally valid covering the area and that Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council were aware of it.

Mr Rogers went on to explain that the area is part of the heritage coast – another reason members of the group and residents were concerned about the application.

Mr Wrigley also said that the artists impression of how the glass-sided building would look was misleading.

Residents also expressed concerns about disabled access to the building – and access to a play area during the construction process – and when the building would need deliveries.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council cannot comment until a decision is made on the application.