Changes to a new community hub for Kidsgrove have been approved to remove a proposed outdoor play area.

Newcastle Borough Council's planning committee gave the development the thumbs up in October – but amended plans have since come forward.

The redevelopment of the land at The Meadows is part of the £16.9 million Kidsgrove Town Deal being led by the borough council. An existing garage at the site will be demolished and replaced with a new building too.

A report to Tuesday's planning committee meeting (January 4) said: "The only visual difference between this current proposal and the previous permission is the removal of a small outdoor play area and its replacement with an integral bin store area and plant room. To accommodate these two new rooms, a small ground floor section of the building measuring approximately 3m x 8.9m in plan would be constructed.

An existing garage at the site will be demolished and replaced with a new building (Google).

"This small infill development would not extend beyond the existing footprint of the building. (It) would therefore have only a negligible impact on the overall form and appearance of the building."

Councillor Andrew Fear, who raised concerns about the building's design at the October meeting, said on Thursday: "Once again, I don't think it is a particularly handsome building, but we are debating one small amendment. I can't see any good objection to the amendment, therefore I'm happy to move the recommendation for approval."

Committee members unanimously approved the amended plans on Thursday. The two-storey community hub is set to provide offices and meeting rooms for local groups to use and there will also be a car park providing 25 spaces and two additional disabled spaces – an increase in the provision currently available at the site.

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