The Middlesbrough Council Planning and Development Committee met on Thursday 2 July 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The committee approved the construction of a discount food store on the site of the former Cleveland College of Art and Design, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, and also noted decisions made under delegated powers and received an update on recently received applications.

Lidl Food Store on Green Lane

The committee approved the construction of a discount food store by Lidl Great Britain Limited on the site of the former Cleveland College of Art and Design, Green Lane, Middlesbrough, TS5 7RU. This decision was made subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement. The application had been deferred at a previous meeting on 9 April 2026 to allow for further consideration of highway matters, alternative junction arrangements, and additional engagement with local residents.

The approved development includes the construction of the food store, associated access, car parking, and landscaping, as well as the closure of Thackeray Grove. The decision followed extensive discussion regarding the proposed closure of Thackeray Grove and its potential impact on surrounding residential streets. The committee heard that various alternative highway arrangements had been considered, but the Highway Authority remained satisfied that the proposed three-arm signalised junction, combined with the closure of Thackeray Grove, offered the safest and most effective solution.

The Section 106 agreement will include funding for the monitoring of traffic movements and the introduction of additional highway measures, such as a potential point closure on Walton Avenue, a yellow box junction at Kingston Avenue/Green Lane, and the extension of double yellow lines at Kingston Avenue, if deemed necessary. Members noted improvements to the design of the development compared to a previously refused scheme, including the revised siting of the building, additional landscaping, and enhanced architectural detailing. The redevelopment of the vacant brownfield site, improved access to affordable food shopping, and the creation of local employment opportunities were also highlighted as benefits.

Objectors, including local residents and Ward Councillors, raised concerns about the closure of Thackeray Grove, the potential for increased traffic on surrounding residential streets, noise from deliveries and refrigeration equipment, and the impact of the building's height and proximity to residential properties. They argued that the proposed highway changes were not adequately evidenced and that the development was inappropriate for its residential and conservation area setting.

However, the committee was advised that the existing junction was considered unsafe and that the proposed signalised junction offered significant safety improvements and enhanced traffic management. Modelling indicated that a four-arm junction would operate over capacity, leading to significant queuing, whereas the proposed three-arm junction would operate within capacity. The committee was also informed that the Section 106 funding was considered sufficient for potential mitigation measures.

Ultimately, the committee was satisfied that the application had addressed the principal concerns identified in a previous appeal decision, and that the proposed development complied with relevant planning policies, subject to the recommended conditions and the completion of the Section 106 Agreement.

Decisions Made Under Delegated Powers

The committee noted the details of planning applications that had been approved under delegated authority granted to the Development Control Manager.

Weekly Update List - Applications Received

The committee received an update on new planning applications that had been received over the past month. A query was raised regarding an application for Elmwood Road, specifically whether it involved a change of use to a small care facility. The Development Control Manager clarified that several applications for small-scale children's homes had been received, which differed from the application considered earlier in the meeting. It was explained that the Elmwood Road application did not represent a material change to the property's operation and could therefore be granted under delegated authority. A suggestion was made to email the weekly planning applications to councillors on a weekly basis rather than presenting them to the committee monthly, which was agreed by all members.

Any Other Urgent Items

There were no other urgent items raised for consideration.