Plans to restore former shopping arcade approved

Plans to revamp part of a former shopping arcade have been approved.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has backed an application for three retail units on the ground floor of the southern section of The Arcade in Goole, and six apartments on the upper floor.

The shopping precinct, on North Street, has stood empty for about 15 years.

Separate plans to redevelop the northern section have already been approved.

A council officer had previously recommended refusal for the scheme, but at a meeting of East Riding's Western Area planning sub-committee on 9 June, councillors were told the scheme would "reinvigorate a dilapidated area".

The application has been made by the Kenning family, who run Kennings Building Supplies in the town.

Michaela Kenning said: "We will restore the Victorian shop fronts to their former glory."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Environment Agency had raised concerns about flooding in the area.

However, councillor Thomas Robson dismissed these concerns, adding: "If we don't allow this, then this building is going to fall into wrack and ruin, and have to be demolished."

In February, councillors also went against a recommended refusal for a similar mix of shop units and flats for the northern end of The Arcade.

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