A CONTROVERSIAL application to build 130 homes on and around a riding school in Eaglescliffe has been postponed due to traffic concerns.

Stockton Council's planning committee was due to make a decision on the development, at Hunters Rest, Urlay Nook Road, at a meeting on Wednesday but councillors agreed to defer the application to wait for a traffic impact assessment.

Concerns were raised about the impact of the extra traffic on the A66 Elton interchange and councillors voted unanimously to postpone until they had more information.

Eaglescliffe and Egglescliffe Parish Council has opposed the application, citing traffic and flooding concerns, and more than 70 objections have been received from local residents.

The application site, which is currently farmland on the edge of Eaglescliffe, incorporates the riding school in the centre, which would close if the application is approved.

It is also outside the limits of development, but council officers say this does not necessarily mean it will be rejected.

The Parish Council said in an objection letter: "The parish council objects to the application having serious concerns relating to the impact of increased traffic on the A67 and surrounding roads and the impact of storm drainage into Nelly Burdon's Beck increasing the risk of flooding at housing downstream within the high risk zone."

The 70 objections included concerns about gridlocked traffic and major congestion through Eaglescliffe, as well as impact on health centres, schools and other services.

Pollution, a loss of privacy, overdevelopment and devaluation of properties were also concerns raised by residents.