CAMPAINGERS have reacted angrily to a government decision to overturn a controversial planning application.

More than 800 homes can now be built on the outskirts of a small east Cleveland village after the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government approved the plan despite objections from local residents.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee had already refused the scheme, but applicants West Midlands Metropolitan Pension Fund appealed and a two-week public inquiry has resulted in the decision being reversed.

The housing scheme will also include a neighbourhood centre, park-and-ride car park, a petrol station, a drive-thru, a pub/restaurant and a 60-bed hotel.

And Redcar MP Anna Turley has hit out at the ruling claiming it will be added pressures onto already stretched public services.

“This is deeply disappointing," she said. "This decision will transform life for the current residents of Marske and new Marske and not in a positive way. More pressure on already over stretched public services like schools and GPs – already under pressure from the recent closure of the Marske Medical Centre.

"There will be increased pressure on traffic and the sense of Marske as a distinct village will be gone. This is precious green field which once lost is gone for ever, and goodness knows what the implications are now for remaining green field space between Redcar and Marske.

"Together with the recent decision in Flatts Lane this is another example of the national government riding roughshod over local people and our area."

Last October, dozens of objectors made their presence felt at the planning inquiry into the scheme which is proposed for 50 hectares of arable land near Marske.

Conservative councillor Steve Turner, who represents the Longbeck ward, said: "I'm so disappointed to learn that all the hard work, time and effort that went in from dozens of people and hundreds of residents has been rejected and the appeal has been won to develop the land south of Marske with over a 1,000 houses.

"As a councillor for many of those who will be impacted I feel I must apologise to you for not getting the decision we wanted and I must also sincerely thank the core group of people who fought against this for so long. You know who you are and your help and support was greatly appreciated."