Councillor continues verbal attack on Centreport plans

Published on 18th January 2007 in News

Plans for a major development on the outskirts of Goole look to be edging closer towards success, despite being put on hold last week.

Meeting in Beverley on Thursday, members of the East Riding of Yorkshire's planning committee discussed an outline planning application - submitted by Sterling St James - for a 100-bed hotel, offices and car showrooms, as well as landscaping and engineering works, on the Centreport site.

A spokesperson for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council told the Goole Times this week that the application had been deferred until all outstanding consultations are received.

The spokesperson added: "The application will be deferred for approval if all the consultations are found to be correct. This will include consultations with ward members so they have the opportunity to comment."

Goole Town councillor Kester Dean last week branded the Centreport development as "completely over the top", and this week stepped up his attack by warning that the site will result in a 'drainage disaster.'

The councillor's comments came after he learned that there were currently no finished plans for draining the site, even though East Riding councillors have approved the scheme.

He said: "The developer says they are starting work this month. Yet they do not have planning permission because there are so many outstanding issues to sort out, including the all-important drainage scheme. They have had months to come up with the goods, but have not done so; this is a recipe for a drainage disaster."

Cllr Dean added that he thought that the developer was trying to 'pack too much onto the site.' He said: "Five thousand jobs is not sustainable for drainage reasons and because of the burden on local housing and services, the density of the scheme needs to be reduced so we get a better quality scheme.

"A small number of jobs in a range of businesses, not just warehouses, would be more appropriate."