RESIDENTS' concerns about a controversial development are to be heard at a site visit.

Objectors believe a development of 22 two-storey self-contained flats at Wheatlands Farm Cottages, Redcar Road in Redcar, may become a haven for drug and crime abuse.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has received 154 letters of objection and a petition with 49 signatures against the proposal from Cleveland Housing Aid Trust.

At a planning meeting yesterday, development control manager Doreen Mealing said: "A lot of issues have been raised about who might occupy the flats, but tenure is not a planning consideration and there are no sound planning grounds for refusal."

Local councillor Vera Moody, speaking on behalf of the residents, called for a site visit and told the committee: "This has caused an awful lot of unrest."

Councillor Peter Spencer said: "It is imperative people are heard and given the opportunity to express their views."

The committee unanimously agreed to visit the site on Wednesday, October 8, at 4.45pm. The applicant said the flats will be for people aged 45 and above.