PLANS to build up to 400 homes on a green field site on the outskirts of an east Cleveland village have been unanimously approved.

The site to the east and west of Saltburn Lane, Skelton, sits in the shadow of the Asda and Skelton Industrial Estate.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's regulatory committee heard that the scheme would be built on land that was previously used for agriculture but is currently largely unmanaged land.

The application had received some objections from residents who raised concerns about the lack of social and health care services in the area, the risk of flooding to nearby properties and lack of community facilities and play areas.

Emma Williams, of How Planning speaking on behalf of the applicant, told members that the company had been working closely with council planning officers to deliver an acceptable scheme.

The committee heard that the application had been subject to public consultation with the council and local residents since 2014.

She said that the applicant and the council had also been working on a financial agreement that would involve a contribution being made towards improvements at Saltburn Leisure Centre.

Councillor Mary Ovens raised concerns the provision of health services for people moving onto the proposed estate but was told that it was not a relevant planning issue.

The outline planning application was approved unanimously by the members of the committee when the met at the Redcar Community Heart on Thursday morning.