A HOUSING developer has been accused of using ‘blackmail’ and ‘bullying’ tactics in an attempt to get 49 homes built.

Gleeson Homes faced severe criticism after lodging a second application for the development in Redcar on the site of the former Rye Hills School in the town.

The low-cost housing developer was refused permission for its original proposal in January and was accused of ignoring suggestions of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s regulatory committee to reduce the number of properties.

The committee heard that the developer was prepared to drop its appeal to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the original application if the second application was approved.

Ed Alder, the regional director at Gleeson Homes North East, told members that the number of homes on the site was acceptable and reminded them that the homes were to help people to get onto the property ladder.

Councillor Brenda Forster, who represents the Kirkleatham ward, said: “I’m so angry about this – we told them to come back with a lower number of houses. It is difficult for me to get out of my house during the school runs and this development will just add to the problem.

“We rejected the application once and they have appealed against the decision – I recommend that we reject the application again.

“People like these (Gleeson Homes) try to blackmail us on these matters and I’m not bothered anymore. The people in West Dyke ward need protecting from people like these.”

Cllr Steve Turner added: “We made it clear to them that we wanted them to reduce the number of homes on the site but they chose to ignore us.

“It’s tantamount to bullying, they have threatened us with costs and this is clearly a time issue as well.”

Members voted 9-3 in favour of refusal.

A spokeswoman for Gleeson Homes said: "We will be appealing the committee's decision and look forward to developing the site in the future."