A CONTROVERSIAL homes plan which prompted objections about possible traffic chaos was approved yesterday.

People living near the site of the proposed development in Newton Aycliffe are worried that extra vehicles generated by 34 new homes will block the access road and make it dangerous.

Great Aycliffe Town Council echoed their fears, opposing the plans because of the "possible detrimental impact on existing residential areas from the traffic entering and leaving the site".

Town councillors also believe development of 1.1 hectares of land adjacent to Sanderson Close, off Burn Lane, would detract from the environmental and recreational amenity of Woodham Burn.

Residents yesterday urged Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee to refuse permission for the scheme by Bett Homes North East after a site visit.

One of the objectors, Harry Drake, said: "I have lived in Sanderson Close for nearly 40 years, if this goes ahead it will become a thoroughfare not a close.

"The parking situation in that area is already difficult, extra cars can only make it worse. To have 60 to 100 extra vehicles going past our front doors several times a day will certainly have a detrimental affect on residents."

An engineer from Durham County Council inspected Sanderson Close and Bousfield Crescent and found the route could serve up to 100 more homes so the Highways Agency raised no objection to the plan.

Sandra Thompson, a planning consultant for Bett Homes, said the company had commissioned a study into local traffic, which raised no concerns. She said the firm would work with residents to minimise disruption during construction.

Charlie Walton, head of planning services, said: "The site is established in the local plan as a housing site and is considered to be well designed.

"It is very close to the town centre, in fact just a short walk, close to facilities and the urban park and is well served by bus stops."

He said the proposal met all relevant material planning considerations including Government guidelines on housing density.

Councillors agreed with officers' recommendations to approve the scheme in a close vote with 11 members in favour of the scheme outnumbering the nine against.