The Planning Committee met at The Spa 9th December 2021 to consider the Argos site development. Whilst this was not a public meeting, the public were allowed in the gallery.

A dull recital of the plans accompanied with slides was endured. The councillors then listened to two public speakers, the first a spokesperson from Wrenbridge and Buccleuch who arrogantly dismissed the public objections with contempt. Councillor Bill Chatt who was disgusted by the speech and found it emotionally blackmailing and “totally wrong” and not professional.

Cllr Steve Siddons has declined and will not be attending the ARGOS DEVELOPMENT – PRESENTATION TO THE CWTRA this evening.

Read his response and our subsequent reply asking for the Deputy to attend - in full here.

Following an auto-response from Cllr Steve Siddons stating "I am currently away from my office due to illness" a further email has been sent to Deputy Leader Liz Colling asking for her attendance at the Castle Ward Residents and Tenants Association meeting tomorrow, Tuesday 23 Nov 2021  at Scarborough Library, so that she can engage with the resident's views first hand. Read the full email here.

Cllr Steve Siddons has been sent an email (undersigned by several notable names) asking for his attendance at the Castle Ward Residents and Tenants Association meeting on Tuesday 23 Nov 2021  at Scarborough Library, so that he can engage with the resident's views first hand. Read the full email here.

SBC Presentation of plans for Argos site.

6.30pm
Tuesday
23rd November
Scarborough Library

Whilst SBC appear to have been contacting previous objectors and subsequently uploading the comments to their planning site, many seem to be buried deep in the ever-increasing list of comments. Now owing to the fact that the planning site is offline this weekend we felt that this particular comment/letters should be highlighted - after all, being ex-planners, these surely can be nothing but valid comments? Read here in full.

Sir Alan and Lady Ayckbourn today have written to the Planning Officer in charge of the proposed Argos development, expressing concerns that "not only will the proposed building be one storey higher than the existing building – it will be filled with shoe boxes for two hundred people. Parking???"

View the full letter here.

A request to the Leader of SBC for a live, public debate has been made.

We just want what is right for Scarborough

In fairness and balance we show the images below:

WHAT WE WANT	WHAT SBC WANT
From the Scarborough Renaissance Charter 'Kissing Sleeping Beauty'	The Scarborough Council Proposed Plans

We feel the image of the 'market square' says it all (from the Renaissance Charter 'Kissing Sleeping Beauty'): an open space for all, providing views of our heritage and showing the marvellous historic structures of Scarborough Market Hall and Boyes dept. store - both of which are currently hidden behind the Argos building and will continue to be hidden under the proposed plans. The 'market' square would encourage locals and visitors to that part of town and provide a place to unwind in a welcoming environmental space and could could play host to outdoor activities, small events and more (a certain fayre springs to mind) thus even allowing potential income for the council without the need of yet another residential/retail block.

Released Today

Formal Complaint 27 Oct 2021by James Corrigan

Media Statement 27 Oct 2021by Scarborough Borough Council

Click/tap to read the documents in full

Leaflet distributed today in the Old Town:

An appeal has been made.
Councillors were invited to the
Public Meeting19th Oct 2021.

(None attended)

Public Meeting

7.00pm Tuesday 19th October 2021

Thank you to those involved in the arrangement and chairing of the meeting and to those who managed to attend.

The meeting this evening carried overwhelming support against the proposed Argos Developments.

  So what now?....  

There is already a mechanism in place and funds available to the Borough to purchase and redevelop this site.

The “Renaissance Charter” recommended we have a Town ‘Hub’ nearly twenty years ago, playing to the Town’s strengths, for our cultural and economic growth. Our generation could be the one to fulfil the promises and contribute to a meaningful future.

The application for the redevelopment has been put in two separate applications, one for the building itself and the other for some external landscaping. In the opinion of one local architect, the plans and perspective are very misleading and suggest a much larger area than the reality.

The Old Town is a vital link between Scarborough’s historic Past and it’s potential Future. Its importance was acknowledged in the blueprint known as ‘Kissing Sleeping Beauty’ for improving and developing our town and yet has been neglected and ignored by the Borough Council for two decades.

The “Scarborough Renaissance Charter” (also known, as ‘Kissing Sleeping Beauty’) is available to read in full here.

Deadline for objections 28 October 2021 - ALL objections must be in by this date.

Read on to find out how to submit your comments.

As a Resident of the Old Town, you already know how hard it is to park and will appreciate the huge impact of the proposed development on our limited parking.

Proposed plans would create even more more parking problems. Parking statistics revealed by the Council under the Freedom of Information Act:

1. There are only 630 parking spaces available to residents in the Old Town
   
   
2. In 2019/20, excluding businesses, carers and trades-persons permits, the Council issued;
   704 Residents Parking Permits and 36,206 Scratch cards
   
   
3. The Council will approve a scheme to build accommodation for 202 New Residents on the old Argos site with 0 parking provision