PLANS for the multi-million pound redevelopment parts of a North-East estate have been delayed amid concerns about access and noise coming from a marquee.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is looking to build a new Catering Academy and Walled Garden as part of an ongoing restoration programme on the Kirkleatham estate, on the outskirts of Redcar.

The scheme, which is anticipated to create 40 direct jobs, 40 indirect jobs and more than 100 apprenticeships, will have to come back before members of the council’s planning committee.

The committee heard concerns from residents of the tiny village that generally everyone was in favour of the rejuvenation of the area but it was the late inclusion of the marquee that was causing the biggest worries.

Jane Young, who lives in one of the Sir William Turner Almshouses, said communication with council had been abysmal.

She said: “At first everyone was very supportive of the scheme but it has escalated so much that we are very concerned about the marquee.

“We don’t know what events there will be but we do know that there will be noise coming out of the venue.

“It has been spoken about as being used as a wedding venue and there has been talk about it being used 365 days a year – there can’t be that many weddings held there.

“Nobody from the council has been out to visit the Almshouses, other than one officer who I personally invited.”

Councillor Mary Ovens, a trustee on the board of the Almshouses, also raised concerns about the impact the marquee could have.

The £4.4m scheme is expected bring the grade II-listed historic Walled Garden back into use after 30 years, creating a mix of formal and produce gardens, events spaces, food and retail opportunities.

Funding for the project has been secured from the Coastal Communities Fund, with in principle support received from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Richard Spence, representing applicant Kymel, told members that the marquee was an essential part of the plan to make the project financially viable.

He reassured the committee that the company would comply with any recommendations in relation to noise pollution from the venue.

Cllr Steve Turner called for the decision to be deferred until access to the car park for the centre could be assessed to keep traffic away from the heart of the village.

Members unanimously voted to defer the decision.