A CLIFF top restaurant in Saltburn has been refused permission over fears “iconic” views of the coastline would be lost. 

Developers Oleus Leisure aimed to bring a venue to the unused look-out with a single storey structure and split-level decked terraces built into the cliff-face off Marine Parade. 

But Redcar and Cleveland’s planning committee gave the bid the thumbs down – with chairman Cllr Stuart Smith branding the vision a “blot on the landscape” ahead of a 12 to one vote to refuse planning permission. 

More than 290 objection comments were sent to the authority with worries about the loss of views, the impact on parking and harm the eatery could bring to Saltburn’s conservation area.

Council officials had recommended the plans be refused after Historic England raised worries about the character of the promenade being hit. 

Officials judged the benefits of extra jobs, more visitors and the site’s visual enhancements would not be outweighed by the harm of losing a “heritage asset”. 

Ahead of the meeting, Saltburn councillor Philip Thomson told the authority he couldn’t support the loss of the viewing platform – fearing it would be a loss to the town’s heritage. 

Resident Philip Wrigley questioned the viability of the restaurant-bar given how the hospitality industry was suffering in the pandemic.

He said: “Is this a viable business going into 2021 post Covid-19?

“It will be an expensive site to develop – with extensive piling required. 

“Sadly, other catering businesses may have problems and leave other suitable premises vacant.

“What will happen to this building if the business fails?”

Meanwhile, Saltburn’s Jim Rogers told the committee the platform was a “natural viewpoint used by countless visitors and residents”.

Mr Rogers added: “The viewpoint provides a natural advantageous place for people to stop, take photographs and enjoy the natural unspoilt vista up and down the coast and over the beach and pier.

“This piece of land is available to all – including those using wheelchairs and mobility scooters and is absolutely free.

“That’s how it should remain.”

Plans were originally submitted after the site was put out to tender, as part of a programme by Redcar and Cleveland Council to release “land and property assets” which were no longer needed or would generate cash.

The applicant, who has run successful food businesses for 15 years, was chosen to revamp the site.

The council’s conservation officer had originally objected to earlier versions of the restaurant plan – but the committee heard misgivings had been lifted since adjustments were made. 

Agent Fahim Farooqui, on behalf of the developer, told the committee the new venue would be a “great attraction” to the area and add economic value to Saltburn.  

He also questioned why Historic England was offering its view when the body wasn’t consulted on the plans before pointing to how the council’s conservation officer had raised no objections.

Mr Farooqui said: “It would attract tourism to the town through its unique design and layout in the cliff face which is common throughout the whole of the UK on other coastlines in other conservation areas.

“It will bring other benefits through spin-off trade to other shops in the area.”

He added: “If you look at the CGI, it has a minimal impact on the actual coastline along the parade. 

“Other developments quite close to Saltburn Pier (like) the Seaview Restaurant building are closer to listed buildings and have more impact.”

The agent rounded off saying he appreciated the objections but believed the restaurant would be a “beautiful attraction” for Saltburn. 

Despite plans for the derelict shelter to be rejuvenated, concerns persisted over the loss of the cliff top viewing platform.

Cllr Cliff Foggo said the joy of Saltburn came from unobscured views.

He added: “As far as I’m concerned, the viewing point is an asset to the town and the council. 

“By putting a building on a viewing point it would spoil the whole presentation of the promenade.

“If the proposal was to keep the building below the promenade, I’d be happy with that.

“But the building poking up onto the promenade is too much of an intrusion.”

Cllr Craig Hannaway believed similar developments wouldn’t be tolerated on other parts of the North Yorkshire coast.

Chairman Cllr Smith said he had no problem with the original plans on Marine Parade which were below ground level. 

But he believed the newer plans were a “blot on the landscape”. 

“It will spoil that iconic view you get all along Marine Parade and it will be so out of place,” added Cllr Smith. 

“It fails to preserve the character of the conservation area.”

The plans were eventually refused by 12 votes to one after an hour of debate.