Empire garage objection based on ‘material considerations’ says Peel commissioner

The deputy chairman of Peel Commissioners says the board’s objection to plans by Empire Garage to build apartments and town houses was based on ‘material considerations’ not just public feeling.

Alan Jones chaired the meeting last Thursday (March 21) in the absence of Christine Moughtin, where members voted unanimously to oppose the application.

The applicant wants to build a total of 26 flats and five town houses at sites on Marine Parade, Stanley Road and Cross Street, and demolish the existing showrooms, garage and other buildings.

A public meeting was held earlier that week to discuss the plans, with over 100 people in attendance, many of whom opposed the scale of the proposed development.

Mr Jones says the board isn’t against development at the site per say, but pointed to a number of issues with this application.

These include the ‘overpowering’ size, inadequate parking provision and a negative affect on a conservation area.