Office and leisure project opposed

TWO councils are opposing plans for a major new office and leisure development near the Humber Bridge.

Bridgeland Limited has revised proposals initially submitted six years ago for a 57,000 sq metre mixed-use scheme straddling both sides of Boothferry Road on the western outskirts of Hessle.

The outline plans are for 20, one to four-storey buildings split between a field on the northern side of the road near the Humber Bridge roundabout, and the site of the former Hessle Golf Course on the southern side.

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As well as providing high-quality office space, the project is intended for use by research and development companies and would also include two restaurant and caf units.

The developers are seeking outline planning permission for the scheme, which they say would create a major strategic employment site of regional significance, provide skilled jobs, help to retain Hull University graduates and provide a "positive image" for Hull and the East Riding.

The plans are supported in principle by Swanland Parish Council, the economic development unit at East Riding Council and regional development agency Yorkshire Forward.

Hull's economic development company, Hull Forward, said it would not back the scheme if it was deemed to be in direct competition with projects in the city centre, particularly with plans to attract tenants to offices at Humber Quays on the waterfront.

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The scheme is opposed by Hessle Town Council, North Ferriby Parish Council, dozens of residents and the Southfield Area Conservation Group.

Coun Phil Davison, planning committee chairman at the town council, said: "The original concept was for a prestigious headquarters for a big company or a Government department, but that went to the Gateshead and Newcastle area.

"That's what we wanted and that's what the town council wants to stick out for.

"In theory, once it's developed we are talking about 2,000 jobs but if they are coming from offices in Hull they are relocating and they are not really new jobs.

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"It's a prime strategic site, near the bridge and A63 and that's good for a strategic position.

"What we don't want is a piecemeal development because that will just drag on and on and it could be 10 years, bearing in mind the economic climate. The town council would like to wait and see.

"If there is to be a piecemeal development that would be better on the borrowpit site on the north side of the road. The other side is a former golf course, quite a nice area of high landscape value.

"The other issue is its impact on the local community with transport links and that sort of thing."

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One of the main concerns raised by residents is the increase in the volume of traffic that would accompany the development, and disruption during construction.

There are fears it would cause congestion on Boothferry Road and the Humber Bridge, and also that traffic would increase in the neighbouring village of Hessle.

A report to East Riding Council's planning committee recommends approval of the scheme is deferred until a community liaison group is formed and an automated system to monitor traffic is installed.

Improvements to the A63 slip road would also be needed before any work gets under way.

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The report said the project would provide a "significant boost" to jobs in Hull and the East Riding, and is in line with planning policies which allocate the land for development.

The 2004 plans drew 105 letters of objection, and 25 on the revised plans.

The proposals will go before the planning committee next Thursday.

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