A CONTROVERSIAL planning application adjoining a busy roundabout and popular school has been passed after the committee’s chairman used his casting vote.

The scheme to build 128 homes on former farmland owned by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council raised concerns amongst residents in Nunthorpe over increased traffic congestion and parking problems associated with the school.

Residents turned out in force to voice their objections to the site, between Ormesby Bank, Guisborough Road and Rothesay Grove, at a meeting of the council’s regulatory committee.

Ian Hart was the first member of the public to raise the contentious issue over traffic chaos surrounding the school run in the village. He said: “The council is well aware of this ongoing problem which has a severe impact on the roads.”

Councillor Glyn Nightingale, who was speaking as a local resident, raised concern about ‘urban sprawl’ and questioned Bellway Homes’ claimed benefits of the application.

He said: “The adverse impact far outweighs the exaggerated claimed benefits. How many jobs will be created for local people? How much local spending will be created?”

And Councillor Jon Rathmell, who represents the Nunthorpe area on neighbouring Middlesbrough Council, questioned the traffic survey carried out around the development site and urged members to refuse it.

He said: “This should be rejected because the traffic assessment is not a reliable assessment - it doesn’t take into account residents concerns or the school run. There is a problem with speeding along Guisborough and there has been a number of non-injury accidents.

“There is also the problem of parents blocking in residents and then being abusive when asked to move.”

Martyn Earle, the planning agent representing Bellway Homes, told members that there was a need for executive housing in the area and the application had been assessed for traffic issues. “There is a plethora of reasons why this site stands out for development,” he said.

Committee member councillor Anne Watt spoke out against the application maintaining that traffic issues were a major concern for residents.

While Councillor Steve Turner spoke in favour of the scheme, he said: “There is no denying that the traffic is a problem in the area but this new development will not make the problem any worse.”

Committee chairman Councillor Cliff Foggo used his casting vote to approve the scheme.