PLANS to open a supermarket in a former car showroom in Saltburn have been delayed due to traffic concerns.

The scheme to transform the former Birkhow Motor Company, which has been empty for two years, would have seen an increase in parking and access problems on and around Windsor Road, according to objectors.

A total of 15 letters of objection were submitted to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s regulatory committee by residents concerned about the impact the shop would have in the area.

Also among the residents’ concerns were issues over delivery van access, litter and an application for an alcohol licence.

Saltburn councillor Philip Thomson supported residents’ concerns saying the increase in footfall would be exponential.

“The prime objective is road safety,” he said. “Road safety is of the utmost importance and the flow of traffic is going to be adversely affected by this scheme.”

Cllr Helen McLuckie called for a traffic survey to be carried out before and decision could be made.

Members of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s regulatory committee agreed to defer their decision until after a site visit and traffic survey are completed.