by John Prince
The redevelopment of the former library in Hornsea has got under way.
The 1970s building on the corner of Newbegin and Cinema Street is being converted into seven residential apartments with eight parking spaces by developer Bridgestock Construction.
In September last year, East Riding Council rejected the proposals after concerns about overdevelopment and congestion in the Cinema Street car park just behind it. There were also worries that the conversion would have a negative impact on the character and appearance of the area, as well as on highway safety.
Following alterations to the original plans, that decision was overturned on appeal in March, and permission was given for the work to go ahead. The Planning Inspectorate found that East Riding Council’s refusal was “unreasonable” and has ordered the council to pay the developer’s appeal costs.
The building, which lies within the Hornsea Conservation Area, will be fitted with a pitched roof, and the external windows will be changed to fit in with other buildings in the town.
The dilapidated buildings to the rear will be demolished to make way for car parking.