Revised plans to revamp Guisborough town centre have been unanimously approved by councillors.

The ‘public realm’ improvement scheme for Westgate, Chaloner Street, Market Place, Church Street and Fountain Street initially faced criticism, most notably over the loss of historic cobbles with one former councillor comparing it unfavourably to an attempt at a New York cityscape.

The extent of alterations to cobbled surfaces along Westgate have since been reduced following a redesign with proposed parking bay markings also being dropped.

Other changes include a reduction in the number of new outdoor seating spaces being created, which are intended to allow existing cafés and restaurants to ‘spill out’ from their premises.

For Westgate the aim is to provide a “lively, multifunctional” environment with an “attractive green connection” being provided by nearby Chaloner Street, which regularly hosts market events.

More space will be provided for pedestrian areas through the widening of footpaths with other new elements including benches, cycle stands, lighting, signage and artworks being put on display.

The scheme is being funded from a £15m pot previously secured by Redcar and Cleveland Council for Guisborough from Government levelling up funds.

Despite the revisions 25 fresh objections were still received by the council, along with a protest petition consisting of 100 signatures.

In his submission Guisborough independent councillor Bill Clarke claimed there had been a “concerted effort” by some individuals on social media to post “misinformation” about elements of the plans.

Cllr Clarke said it was “obvious” there may be a small impact on the town’s heritage, but he approved of the changes being made.

Speaking at a regulatory committee meeting which decided on the plans, Conservative Carolyn Curr, who represents Belmont ward, said they were of a “much lighter touch”.

She said: “I could not have supported the original plan.

“The levelling up funding represents the biggest investment in Guisborough for some time.

“The town is tired and needs this investment.”

Cllr Curr said she understood worries from local businesses who would face inevitable disruption from the works.

She welcomed one of the planning conditions which referred to a detailed method of work statement, which she said would allow businesses to plan appropriately.

Dan Gregg, from planning consultants Lichfields, said the improvements would “maximise visitor potential”, improving accessibility and create a lively street scene on Westgate and Chaloner Street.

He said: “The proposals have been developed by a team of experts with the council following extensive engagement with the local community.

“In our view the scheme will deliver significant benefits for Guisborough, whilst building on its existing character.

“That said the team have been committed to taking onboard feedback since the application was submitted and have made a number of changes.”

He added: “We acknowledge that cobbles are a key part of the town’s character and have sought to retain as many as these as possible.

“The vast majority of cobbles on Westgate – around 90% – will be retained. 10% will be used elsewhere in the scheme.”

Mr Gregg said there would be only a minor effect on the conservation area in Guisborough, which had to be weighed against other benefits, including “improved pedestrian accessibility and safety, additional landscaping and new public art [which] will increase the vibrancy of the town centre”.

The body Historic England said the concept and much of the detail of the plans were acceptable, but said it remained concerned about proposed terracing at the north west end of Westgate.

It also warned of a “patchwork” on Chaloner Street due to the use of various materials which risked dominating the scene.

Meanwhile, the council’s development engineers said parking realignments would mean parking could occur more efficiently.

Councillor Stephen Martin said the plans were sympathetic to the town’s history.

He said: “Business owners may suffer in the short-term, but in the long-term it is going to benefit them and the town as a whole so I have no objections.”

Councillor Stuart Smith, the chairman of the committee, said: “You can’t please everyone in the decisions that we make.

“But this will preserve a conservation area and the historic street scene that we know and love in Guisborough.”

Work could start early next year once a contractor has been secured by the council.