A BAR and restaurant has won retrospective change of use permission for an outdoor decking and seating area despite it being described as “ugly” and “sticking out like a sore thumb”.

Arran Addison, who runs The Vault, in Marske, east Cleveland, claimed the business once able to trade outside of lockdown measures would not survive without it.

The application received 16 representations in support with comments stating it was a “lovely addition” to Marske and would attract more visitors.

But 16 objections were also received by Redcar and Cleveland Council which described the decking as an “eyesore”, a “monstrosity” and being “disrespectful” to a next-door funeral parlour, while also blocking access to a pedestrian footpath.

Ward councillor Karen King said the decking did not allow enough people to pass safely bearing in mind current social distancing measures.

She said: “It is bulky and stands out like a sore thumb.

“I would like to see this application rejected and for the venue to consult with residents, the other businesses in the area and community groups to come up with a solution which would be agreeable for all concerned.”

Cllr King said prior to the timber decking being installed the space was also used for an annual Christmas festival.

Fellow ward councillor Margaret Wilson said in a written statement that the raised wooden structure was “aesthetically overwhelmingly ugly”, obstructing safe passage for residents, wheelchair users and prams along that part of the walkway.

Mr Addison, who spoke at the council’s regulatory committee meeting, said he had previously put out tables and chairs, but they ended being scattered about and thus taking up more space.

He told councillors: “This makes a massive difference to us being able to trade and keep our staff employed.

“The decking is simply to make it look more attractive and a nice place to enjoy Marske Square.

“We need to embrace a new normal with Covid. 

“People feel more comfortable sitting outside in the summer and the hospitality industry is relying on outside space more than ever before.”

Councillor Carole Morgan commented: “It is not in keeping with the surroundings and quite a significant obstruction for passers by.”

Committee chairman Councillor Stuart Smith said he agreed with the observations in a report which said it would not have a negative impact on the conservation area in the town.

He also said there was sufficient space for passers by, effectively the width of an ordinary pavement.

He said: “It is important that at this present time we should be supporting businesses in any way we can.

“This is not a permanent structure and it can be removed at any time.”

Councillor Tim Gray said he too was in the licensing trade, running a bar, and understood the difficulties businesses were being faced with.

He said of the decking area: “It could be painted to stop it standing out as it does.”

The application was approved by seven votes to three in line with a planning officer’s recommendation.