Controversial proposals to build a supermarket, retail units, residential apartments and a cafe were yesterday unanimously refused by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council planning committee - on safety grounds.

But similar plans, which included a cinema and had been recommended by planning officers for refusal, were deferred to be brought back before the committee for further discussion in the future.

The ERYC committee refused the first set of plans following a visit by councillors and officials to the site on Wednesday.

Committee members agreed with suggestions from Humberside Police that the proposals would present a danger to pedestrians and cyclists from heavy goods vehicles accessing the site.

But in a reversal of fortunes, proposals, which include the provision of a cinema, will return for further debate to the committee - on which no Driffield ward councillors are sitting.

Concerns were raised that neither application provided sufficient access for HGVs or maximised the aesthetic potential of the beck which runs through the Eastgate South site.

Driffield ward councillor, Symon Fraser, was given permission to address the committee. Speaking in favour of the second application at the meeting, he said: "It offers a much better result for Driffield and for the future.

"Access for lorries follows the same route as before. Although it brings challenges, we know it works.

"As ward members, we would ask for further conditions and to exclude deliveries during peak school times."

Tesco also had two proposals before the committee, relating to its site which runs from the old Kwik Save on Middle Street South to George Street.

The first planning application included a replacement supermarket, non-food retail units and apartments. This application was unanimously refused on grounds that it provided poor access for vehicles..
The second involved a replacement supermarket, retail units and residential apartments was deferred to be returned to the committee for further discussion at a later date.
suzie.towne@yrnltd.co.uk

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