Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Chair, Councillor Phil Trumper.

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2026 were confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

All Members are invited to declare at this point any interests, including the nature of those interests, or lobbying in respect of any items appearing on this agenda.

Councillor Janet Jefferson declared an interest in Minute Item 170 on the agenda – public realm improvements to Scarborough Station forecourt - since she was President of Scarborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce and owned the Train Shop.

The Chair, Councillor Subash Sharma declared an interest in Minute Item 173 on the agenda – repair, restoration and replacement of Museum Steps – since he had been in communication with his constituents on this application but retained an open mind on the matter.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services

The Head of Development Management – Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application on land at the Central Railway Station, Westborough, Scarborough for public realm improvements, including alterations to accessible parking, taxi rank, and drop-off areas, together with the creation of a pedestrian plaza and changes to pedestrian areas at the junction of Westborough, Northway, and Valley Bridge Road.

The planning officer began by providing an update following receipt of further comments from the local Highway Authority about the application in response to concerns raised by Members about highway safety. The Highway Authority had reviewed the proposed layout and was satisfied that sufficient space was available within the site for vehicle manoeuvring, taxi operations and parking. It was also confirmed that the proposals were not expected to result in increased highway congestion on Westborough.

The officer advised that two additional objections had been received following publication of the report. One related to the closure of the pedestrian access onto Valley Bridge Road, which did not form part of the planning application. The second related to the loss of art deco planters. Members were advised that the planters were not listed and their impact had been assessed within the officer report. The planning officer then presented the report as published.

In accordance with public speaking arrangements at planning committee, the following speakers then addressed the committee.

John Crompton – objector

Summary of points:

·       concern regarding the apparent omission of the proposed pedestrian access from Valley Bridge Road, which had previously been presented as a key element of the wider scheme (the planning officer advised that this access was closed by Network Rail but as part of further planned improvements to the rear of the station there was potential for it to reopen)

·       concern regarding pedestrian access from existing bus stops, particularly for passengers travelling from the south of Scarborough. Bus stops should be closer to the station

·       how would the proposed pedestrian priority area provide a significant improvement for pedestrians given that taxis and blue badge vehicles would continue to have access to the forecourt area?

·       proposed six taxi spaces seemed excessive given the significantly lower levels of taxi use historically observed at the station.

Helen Jackson - applicant

Summary of points:

·       the proposals would deliver significant improvements to the station environment, enhance the experience of residents and visitors, and contribute to the wider regeneration of Scarborough.

·       the scheme would create a more attractive, accessible and coherent public space whilst retaining the key transport functions required by station users.

·       the proposals complemented recent and planned investment in the railway station and formed part of a wider ambition to improve the town centre and encourage inward investment.

·       the revised scheme had been developed in consultation with highway officers and station users and had been amended to address concerns regarding accessibility, bus stop provision and drop-off arrangements.

·       the overall number of disabled parking spaces would remain unchanged and that taxi provision would be retained at the front of the station.

·       the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 170.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services

The Head of Development Management – Community Services sought determination of a listed building consent for the demolition of 5 brick boundary wall planters, part demolition of the station yard boundary wall and removal of stone flags at Central Railway Station, Westborough, Scarborough.

The planning officer advised that since further changes to the previous application on the agenda (which had been deferred) could well impact on this application, her recommendation was now deferral. It was moved and seconded to adopt this recommendation.

Decision

Consideration of the application be DEFERRED.

Voting record

A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried unanimously.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services

The Head of Development Management – Community Services sought determination of a listed building consent for the retention of an existing mural and a further extension to it at 3 West Square, Scarborough.

The planning officer presented the report as published.

In accordance with public speaking arrangements at planning committee, objector, Susan Millar then addressed the committee.

Summary of points raised:

·       the mural lacked sufficient artistic quality, creativity and visual impact when compared with other large-scale public artworks elsewhere in the region.

·       the mural made poor use of the available wall space, noting that it occupied only part of the elevation and that sections of the artwork were obscured by existing street furniture.

·       the entire project should be reconsidered and opened to tender for alternative artistic proposals.

·       public art should benefit both residents and visitors, foster civic pride and contribute positively to the appearance of a prominent gateway location opposite the railway station.

Members then discussed the report and presentation.

Summary of matters raised:

·       Members discussed the artistic merits of the mural, with some expressing support for the artwork and considering it to be a positive addition that enhanced the appearance of West Square.

·       Officers advised that the application before the committee related to listed building consent and that the principal planning consideration was the effect of the mural on the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building.

·       It was noted that that the committee was not acting as an arbiter of artistic merit and wider concerns regarding the process through which the mural had originally been commissioned were beyond the remit of the committee.

Following debate, a motion was moved and seconded to approve the officer recommendation.

Decision

Listed building consent be GRANTED subject to the conditions detailed in the report.

Voting record

A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried with 5 for and 1 against.

Report of the Head of Development Management – Community Development Services

The Head of Development Management – Community Services sought determination of an application for listed building consent that proposed remedial works to repair, restore and replace Museum Steps, Scarborough along with associated works to the adjoining retaining wall and metal work.

The planning officer presented the report as published.

Members welcomed the application and the progress which had been made in respect of this important access noting that the proposed steel support system for the steps would be hidden from view. It was therefore moved and seconded to approve the officer recommendation.

Decision

Listed building consent be GRANTED subject to the conditions detailed in the report.

Voting record

A vote was taken and the motion was declared carried unanimously.

Any other items which the Chair agrees should be considered as a matter of urgency because of special circumstances.

There were no urgent items of business.

Thursday, 10 September 2026 at 2.00pm

Thursday, 10 September 2026