COUNCILLORS in Cleveland have given the go ahead to a housing development that came under fire from nearby residents and a school.

There had been fears that the 236-home scheme could pose dangers for pupils at Laurence Jackson School in Guisborough. People living near the site in Church Lane were worried about loss of green space, extra traffic and more homes than originally planned.

But members of Redcar and Cleveland planning committee gave permission to McLean Homes to build the mainly detached home estate - subject to certain conditions.

Deputy chairman Coun Helen McLuckie said all the objections had been taken on board by councillors.

Speed limits and a safe route to school would be incorporated, along with a landscaping buffer.

Staff at Laurence Jackson were worried about safety as the estate's only access road will exit on to Church Lane, near the already busy school entrance.

Deputy head teacher John Downs said: "We are pleased the council took account of our objections and feel the conditions which have been imposed should ease our fears.

"But we will be keeping an eye on the development in case there are any problems."

The planning application outlined 210 executive homes and 26 'affordable' properties, open space and play areas and a cycle route through the development.

Planning officers said the amount of open space was appropriate for the size of the scheme while Coun McLuckie said open space would be safeguarded, as would hedgerows. The site had been identified in the local plan for housing and met all criteria.