PROTESTERS turned out in force as a planning inquiry into a controversial 821-home scheme got under way.

Dozens of objectors made their presence felt at the Redcar meeting as the inquiry into the scheme, proposed for 50 hectares of arable land near Marske, began this week.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council last year refused permission for the major new housing estate, which would also include a neighbourhood centre, park-and-ride car park, a petrol station, a drive-thru, a pub/restaurant and a 60-bed hotel.

The development would be on arable farmland south of Marske, bounded by the A174, the A1085, Longbeck Road and the railway, and with Marske Inn Farm in its north-east corner.

Applicant, the West Midlands Metropolitan Pension Fund, appealed against the council’s decision, leading to the public inquiry.

The scheme was originally set to be for up to 1,000 homes, but has now been updated to a 821-home scheme “with ancillary uses, a petrol filling station, drive-thru, pub/restaurant, 60 bed hotel and car parking.”

One of the key issues discussed during Thursday morning’s session revolved around the ability of residents already living in the area to be able to enjoy the view they currently have.

Their ability to see the scheduled ancient monument of the Manorial Settlement, Dovecote and Fragment of Field System, which is protected by English Heritage, was an issue.

Graeme Ives, a planning consultant specialising in heritage issues, told the inquiry that the application could have a detrimental impact on views for residents.