Objections over plan to put 10 flats in old social club building
A FORMER Teesside social club could be turned into flats if plans are approved.
The Eston and California, in Eston High Street, was placed up for sale last year. Estate agents Browns had invited offers in excess of £100,000 and the building was subsequently sold.
An application lodged with Redcar and Cleveland Council proposes a total of ten new flats on the site, eight one-bedroomed flats and two, two-bedroomed penthouse apartments.
There would be a front-facing extension to the first floor and the addition of a second floor ‘inset’ extension providing the two penthouse apartments.
Dozens of comments have been received by the planning authority from people living in the local area objecting to the application by Mohammed Rafiq, with a public consultation due to continue until April 26.
The ‘Cali’ retains a Facebook group page, although the last post – which stated ‘Hello members the Eston California is still open’ – was back in June last year.
It was confirmed in September it had ceased trading after 99 years. The club took its name in part from Eston being likened to California when the discovery of ironstone in the Eston hills led to a massive influx of workers.
A design and access statement submitted to the council explained: “The applicant has purchased the host building from the former landowners on the basis the current lawful use is no longer financially viable due to the lack of custom and business the premises attracts.
“Furthermore, the premises has been closed for several months and is immediately adjoined by another social club making the likelihood of re-opening as a social club nonexistent and therefore a new use needs to be found.
“The applicant Rafiq Properties Ltd is a well established residential letting company with numerous properties within the Tees Valley area and has a reputation of being a responsible landlord with well run premises, including a lot of change of use properties such as this.”
It said the site was in a sustainable location, being close to shops, takeaways, schools, pubs and public transport, and the proposal would make good use of an existing redundant building. It has approximately 5,126 square feet of accommodation. The ground floor had a bar and snooker area with a first floor lounge for acts.