DERELICT land is finally to be developed after plans for more than 500 homes were given the go-ahead.

The eyesore site, just north of Stockton, is to be transformed into a mix of two, three and four-bedroomed houses and one and two-bedroomed apartments.

Stockton Borough Council planning committee agreed the development proposals by Barratt Homes on Wednesday, and said the plans were well overdue.

However, some councillors raised concerns about an increase in traffic congestion in nearby Norton Road, and some residents questioned the proximity of the development to their homes.

The plans allow for two access roads to the former industrial site, known as Queens Park North, from Norton Road, with an additional access to a group of apartments from Durham Road by-pass.

Durham Road by-pass cannot be used as a main access to the site because it has a 40mph speed limit.

However, a cycle path and pavement will be included in the estate, enabling residents to walk or cycle the short distance into Stockton town centre, with the aim of reducing traffic.

But Councillor Paul Kirton said he had concerns.

"Even now, all the traffic stops in Norton Road at busy times at this site, so this is really going to annoy people," he said.

"It's going to be a nightmare."

However, Richard McGuckin, the council's built and natural environment manager, said, while he agreed this area was a traffic hotspot, there would be two main access points and measures were being taken to mitigate problems.

Resident Ian Oakley, of Brentford Road, Norton, which is opposite the site, had misgivings.

"From where I live, I will have a view of some 500-plus houses, some of which are to be three-storeys high," said Mr Oakley.

"If this land is to be put to a good purpose, why not enhance the area by making it a wildlife park, as it has now naturally become.

"Norton Road is busy enough as it is, without the added increase in more vehicles."

But an agent speaking for Barratts said the homes closest to Brentford and Swinburn roads would be only two-storeys high, and at least 40 metres away.

Councillor Maureen Rigg backed the plans. "I think this is all overdue," she said. "It's derelict - it's miserable. The sooner something really nice is done with it, the better.