A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build 350 homes in Yarm has finally been approved in its entirety.

The principle of building at Morley Carr Farm had already been approved by Stockton Borough Council and there has been a series of unsuccessful attempts to overturn the decision.

However developers, Taylor Wimpey, have now given some sweeteners to people in the area, including the creation of a bowling green, club house and play ‘kick about’ area with play facilities.

Protesters including the Morley Carr Farm Action Group hoped that concerns about a high-pressure gas pipeline, which exploded in 1971, would cause the borough council to rethink.

But in the discussion in the committee today (Wednesday, December 18) the health and safety issue was not brought up.

Instead, Yarm resident, Tony Freeman, spoke to say the development of the greenfield site, along with 370 homes planned for Green Lane and 300 homes at nearby Mount Leven, would add to serious traffic problems in the area and impact on services.

He also argued other big developments planned for Allens West, where a plan to build nearly 850 homes has been approved and plans to build nearly 1,600 dwellings in Ingleby Barwick should be taken into consideration.

“Even when it’s not rush hour it takes 20 minutes to drive from Worsall Road to Tesco roundabout and, unless we get a couple of hundred million pounds to build a by-pass and bridge, there’s no chance of this getting better," he said.

“Where are the people coming from to buy these houses and what jobs are they going to do? At Ingleby Barwick they’re building dwellings that are staying empty.”

However Russell Hall, planning manager for Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire, said building would start in the first quarter of next year and they were sure customers would begin moving in next summer.

A total of 20 per cent of the houses would be “affordable,” or cheaper than the market rate.

Taylor Wimpey has also said it will upgrade the gas pipeline and adhere to all safety requirements from the National Grid and Health and Safety Executive.

Coun Andrew Sherris, who opposed the development at earlier hearings and did not vote this time, still praised Taylor Wimpey for the creation of the bowling green and leisure club building.

“This is something we have wanted for 30 years and is very much welcomed,” he said.