Residents oppose turning a former fish and chip shop in Hurworth into a deli with a cafe due to parking and noise.
Francis Ward wants to change Hurworth Fisheries. He also plans to add an outdoor terrace. It would face the River Tees.
He may use 14 Church Row for storage. The building will get a new wooden front, improving its old, worn look.
The plan aims to keep the building’s style. The outside will get fixed since it’s in poor shape. The current front will be replaced with hardwood.
The council will discuss it on Wednesday, March 5. They may approve this project. Sixteen people sent objections.
They worry about losing the fish shop. Parking problems could hurt local shops too.
Sheila Lawes says parking is bad already. More traffic could hurt the town. She fears people will avoid Hurworth, saying parking is impossible there.
Noreen Robinson thinks people will drive there. This would worsen the parking situation. It would affect residents on Church Row.
Brian and Rita Smith live near Church Row. The new business could bother them. It might be noisy all day, every day. They worry about the long hours of operation, which can hurt their home life.
Council officers think it’s a good idea. They cite investment in a rural business. It fits their planning rules. The plan is alright for safety, looks good, and won’t cause floods. It considers local nature and residents.