A new independent restaurant is set to open in Tollesby after Middlesbrough Council approved plans linked to the development.
Planning officers have given the green light for the installation of a rear extraction flue at a vacant retail unit within the Newbridge Court development off Rievaulx Drive. The approval clears the way for the unit to operate as a restaurant after a change of use application was submitted earlier this year.
Planning documents argued that the proposal would not result in the loss of retail space because the unit has remained vacant since it was built.
Council officers concluded that the restaurant use is permitted under existing development rights, meaning only the extraction flue required planning approval.
No objections were received during the public consultation process.
The council’s highways department also raised no concerns, noting that the wider Newbridge Court development was originally approved with 24 apartments, four retail units and 43 parking spaces, including 19 allocated for retail use and 24 for residents.
Newbridge Court includes apartments on its upper floors and retail units at ground level, with convenience store One Stop serving as the anchor tenant.
The approved restaurant unit sits next to Barber House and is among several commercial spaces marketed by the council as immediately available with on-site parking.
In their final assessment, planning officers said: “The proposal is considered appropriate in relation to design, impact on the character and appearance and on the amenity of residents.”
