North Bay attraction on the agenda

MULTI-MILLION-POUND plans to reinvigorate Scarborough’s North Bay are set to go under the spotlight again.

Scarborough Council hierarchy have revealed proposals for a new water park, restaurant and accommodation on the former Atlantis site could be revealed in April.

Bosses have confirmed an application is the subject of negotiations with various bodies, with the authority’s planning committee set to pore over the details during the next two months.

The move comes as Benchmark, the company behind The Sands development, put forward an application to revoke a significant financial contribution to primary education in Scarborough.

The company were originally scheduled to fund £140,364 towards education facilities at Northstead Primary School.

It has already paid £11,856 towards a new cycle route between the North and South Bay.

A report from Jill Low, Scarborough Council’s planning manager, said: “This application seeks to discharge the obligation to pay a commuted sum towards education facilities at Northstead Primary School.

“The applicant makes the case that of the 100 apartments, eight are one-bedroom units and would not necessitate a contribution to education facilities.

“Eighty-three units are used as holiday lets or second homes and the remaining nine are occupied by full-time residents, none who have children.

“When the application was considered in 2003, the committee report stated that the applicant argued the development ‘will not generate a significant requirement for school places as it will tend to be attractive to the retired, single and childless couples’.

“Therefore, the applicant asserts this supports the case that the development does not generate the need for education infrastructure.”

She added: “Having given the matter careful consideration, officers are prepared to accept the applicant’s request and waive this obligation.

“It is therefore concluded a proportionate approach should be adopted and the payment is no longer sought.”

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