The Planning Inspectorate conducted an examination on the Area Action Plan (AAP) at the request of the Secretary of State, following local concerns that the plans would damage the commercial viability of the harbour and Bridlington's heritage.
The Inspector found that the proposed AAP was sound, subject to the inclusion of a policy on the National Planning Policy Framework's presumption in favour of sustainable development and the removal of the west end of the harbour from the Burlington Parade development site.
The Council can adopt the AAP as a statutory development plan document when the Inspector's recommendations have been made. The Plan was originally drawn up in 2010 and was submitted to the Secretary of State in 2011. The public hearing was carried out in late 2011 with an additional session last May.
The AAP sets out the planning policies that will guide the developments and infrastructure needed for the regeneration of the town centre, including the "comprehensive" development of the major Burlington Parade site to extend the centre’s primary retail core.
Other plans include the delivery of a new park alongside the "historic" Gypsey Race, a new town square and new town centre car parking, plus 25,000 square metres of new retail and leisure space and 400 new homes.
It is hoped that a new marina will provide new facilities for the town’s working harbour and deliver the housing and commercial uses needed to animate the marina and link the whole scheme into the town centre. Public realm and access improvements throughout the town centre are also planned.
The AAP is "ambitious but not unreasonably so", said Sian Worden, the Inspector. A strategy has been put in place for the town centre’s regeneration, she said.
"Bridlington has been in long-term decline for many years and there needs to be both a robust plan and our collective unrelenting commitment for the regeneration of the town," said Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of the council. "The country may be in a recession now but it is absolutely vital to have these detailed plans in place to be in the best position possible to attract development opportunities when the economy picks up."
The Council must now recommend to the full council that the AAP, as modified by the Inspector, be adopted. This recommendation must be made by the end of the year.
"Revisions are currently being made to the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for consultation later this year and adoption alongside the AAP," the Council said. "A planning application will be submitted following adoption of the AAP."
