Temporary toilets to be installed on Royal Albert Drive in Scarborough for second summer running

The authority’s planning committee today approved the placing of the portable toilets in Royal Albert Drive for a second summer running.

The toilets will be a place holder while a controversial plan to build new public facilities as part of a restaurant development on the site goes through the planning process.

Cavendish and Gloucester Properties PLC submitted plans for the site last year which was formerly home to a cafe until it was demolished in 2017.

The new building, designed by Scarborough-based Mick Paxton Architects, will bring permanent public toilets back to the seafront as well as a “national chain” eatery and accommodation.

The plans for the building, however, have been criticised by Historic England, the public body which aims to protect the country’s heritage.

It called the look and design of the glass-fronted eatery “confusing” and urged planners to reject the proposal.

It also had concerns that it would detract from Scarborough Castle’s position as the “unchallenged star of the skyline”.

The public consultation on the development closed in October last year with a decision due date listed on the application for December of the same year.

So far, no decision on the scheme has been made.

The temporary toilets will be free to use and open from 8am until 9pm once they are installed.