Plans to relocate a town centre health hub offering addiction support have been turned down amid concerns over the “reality and perception” of crime in the area. Middlesbrough Council applied to move the Live Well Centre, which currently operates from the Dundas Centre, to two units at the Cleveland Centre which have stood empty for 13 years. Services offered include mental health support, sensory loss clinics and addiction recovery.
The plan was rejected amid concerns over moving drug and alcohol support services “slap bang” in the middle of the town centre, as well as the “erosion” of retail space. Supporters of the plan said the Dundas Arcade was no longer considered fit for purpose but vulnerable people in the area still needed access to the services. The planning board of the Middlesbrough Development Corporation (MDC) considered the application at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Friday.
Four board members had the vote; Mayor of Middlesbrough, Chris Cooke, Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, former Police and Crime Commissioner, Steve Turner, and businessman Idrees Rashid. Lord Houchen and Mr Turner voted to turn down the plans, while Mayor Cooke and Mr Rashid voted in favour. Lord Houchen as chair, had the casting vote, and the application was rejected, despite the planning agent for the MDC recommending it for approval.
The Tees Valley Mayor said there are issues surrounding the “perception and reality” of crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre and d.
