AN angry planning committee chairman threw out a protest petition over plans for artists' studios at Saltburn.

Coun Helen McLuckie said the petition was disgraceful and misrepresented what the plans were about.

Members went on to approve the scheme, which has caused an outcry in the town.

Ward Coun John Robinson presented the 1,760-name petition last Thursday as he proposed that the plans to develop the former nursery site at Rose Walk near the Italian gardens be rejected.

The protest cited concerns about light industry and manufacturing units, industrial hazards and waste disposal. "I won't accept this," said Coun McLuckie, "because it is not about what is being proposed here. It is disgraceful."

The committee was considering the plan again after it was deferred following a site visit when a decision was deferred pending a report from Tees Forest.

Last Thursday, planning officer Mrs Doreen Mealing said Tees Forest had offered no objections.

Coun Robinson said there were empty properties elsewhere in Saltburn which could be used for studios.

Fellow ward member Coun Joan Sands said: "This is not the right thing for the valley gardens and Rose Walk.

"Women take their children down there and I would hate to see an upsurge in traffic putting that at risk."

Coun Richard Rudland said no-one wanted to see the gardens spoiled, but the site needed improvement. "There is a lot of emotion on this issue but we have to move on," he said, "otherwise the town will die."

Coun Mike Stephen said he fell in love with Saltburn the first time he visited the town and felt it exemplified people caring for their environment.

"This scheme would make Saltburn better, not spoil it," he said.

The Saltburn Improvement Company wants to develop the former nursery site, demolish two derelict greenhouses and build eight studios.

A bungalow will be kept as a wheelchair-accessible home or studio. The site will also have a display area with two more studios, a gallery and public toilets.

Objectors say the idea is inappropriate and would wreck the area around the gardens.