A HOUSING developer has submitted a new planning application for a site on Teesside despite the original, refused scheme still going through the appeal process.

Taylor Wimpey’s plan to build 159 properties on land in Urlay Nook, near Eaglescliffe, was thrown out by Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee in June but the company lodged an appeal against the decision.

However, in a move that has angered campaigners, the company has submitted a renewed application to avoid the delay of an appeal.

Hedley Planning Services, which submitted the application on behalf of Taylor Wimpey, wrote to the council to outline its decision.

The letter reads: “The Applicants are strongly of the opinion that there was confusion amongst a number of the Members of the Planning Committee between the professional views expressed by the Council’s Officers, the Statutory Consultees & Taylor Wimpey’s Consultant Team and the matters raised by objectors.

“On the basis of the information submitted in support of the previous application, we are of the firm opinion the reasons for refusal cannot be justified on any reasonable basis.

“Nonetheless, our Client’s are keen to avoid the delay which would arise from an appeal and therefore consider it appropriate to re-submit the proposals in order that the Planning Committee can re-consider them having those points of confusion clarified.”

The original application received 452 comments from people objecting to the proposal and members of the Keep Eaglescliffe Special campaign group, which was set up after a wave of planning applications were submitted in the area, are calling on residents to oppose this latest scheme.

Chairwoman Angela Ballantyne, has written to members to encourage to lodge their objections.

She said: “The Planning Committee heard all of the evidence and information on the day of the planning committee and made an informed decision to refuse this application first time round.

“Let’s show them that we have not lost interest. Please get as many people as you know to object, from far and wide and mention it to families, friends and neighbours.”

And Councillor Maureen Rigg, who represents the ward, is reminding people they need to resubmit their comments on the new application.

She said: “It’s not the number of objectors that is important, it is making sure they are on the right planning grounds. We need to make sure people are aware of the application, and assuming that they still don’t think the application has addressed their concerns, then they need to make sure they get their comments submitted – whether they are for or against the application.”

The new application could be considered by the planning committee in November.