Burial ground excavations to be ordered at multiplex cinema site

DEVELOPERS WANTING to build a multiplex cinema in Scarborough’s town centre are to be told that archaeological excavations will be needed to safeguard an ancient burial ground.

The scheme, earmarked for Queen Street, Newborough and Market Street in the heart of the resort’s holiday area, would see a six-screen cinema, five restaurants and shops created by MRP Fund.

Planning officers say in a report for today’s meeting of Scarborough Council’s planning and development committee, that the development will attract tourists.

David Walker, head of planning services, said: “The project has the potential to support and diversify the night time economy of the town centre.”

North Yorkshire County Council’s archaeology department has told the planners: “There is some potential for disturbing human remains and the remains of the Carmelite Friary.”

As a result the committee is being recommended to impose a condition that an archaeological investigation is carried out.

But the scheme has brought opposition from Benchmark Leisure, the company behind a big holiday and leisure development at Scarborough’s North Bay, which has itself got outline permission to build a seven-screen cinema complex and commercial units at the former Atlantis site.

The company says it is “a matter of serious concern that the Newborough scheme could im- pact negatively on the success of the committed North Bay development”.

However the planning committee will be told: “Market forces are likely to determine which scheme is implemented.”

Both are being recommended for approval.