A decision on a proposed local centre in Wynyard is set to be made at a meeting of councillors.

The plans were discussed by Stockton Council’s planning committee last month (November), with councillors hearing from people who were for and against the proposals. However the decision was deferred and will be debated again in a meeting at 1.30pm tomorrow (Wednesday, December 4) at the Jim Cooke Conference Suite in Stockton Central Library and Municipal Buildings.

Planning officers had recommended councillors approve the plan, but the committee postponed the decision for more consultation and on design grounds. The council’s report said there had been 31 letters of objection and seven of support.

Officers said the proposed development would offer economic and social benefits. However objectors raised concerns including consultation, the needs of the community, safety in the car park with deliveries and waste collection, layout, design, bin storage and access.

Councillor Norma Stephenson said: “What we are suggesting is that there is more consultation between the developer and the residents of Wynyard.” Cllr Tony Riordan called for the committee to “defer the application and request that the developers meet with the residents”.

Tony Maxwell, the secretary of the Wynyard Residents’ Association, also called for a deferral after voicing dissatisfaction at a lack of consultation and saying a community hub must meet the needs of the community. Robert Bussey said: “We are in favour of the development of a local centre, it is a necessity in order to serve the rapidly growing community in this part of the village.

“However we feel there are issues around safety, in the operation of the car park.” He said risks posed by delivery and refuse vehicles would “put pedestrians at serious risk of injury or death” and put forward a plea to defer the decision for the applicant to make modifications “to address our concerns”.