A PLAN to build 130 homes on a former riding school has been approved by councillors, despite concerns being raised about increased traffic.

Stockton Borough Council's planning committee had previously deferred the application for the development, at Hunters Rest Farm, Urlay Nook Road, in Eaglescliffe, asking for more information.

But it was passed with nine votes in favour and four against.

Councillors heard that until Stockton's Local Plan is actioned, they had to demonstrate a certain supply of housing under national planning rules.

Conservative councillor Lynn Hall raised concerns over the loss of views from Urlay Nook Road and the surrounding homes, and concerns were also raised over possible contamination of the site by chromium from the former Elementis chemical works nearby.

Local resident Michael Thompson, who lives in Valley Gardens, Eaglescliffe, said traffic would increase on the already congested nearby roads.

And he said: "The existing drains from the Elementis site pass through the site. Can the developers confirm there will no no further disturbance or contamination through the site?"

Planning officers said measures would be written into the permission to prevent the drains being disturbed, and that the scheme had been considered fully by the Environment Agency and Stockton Council's risk management team.

And councillors were told that the extra homes would only add one minute to journey times along Durham Lane at peak times, something seen as not a 'severe' impact on traffic.

Christopher Carroll, on behalf of the applicant, said there had been no objections from any statutory bodies and the impact on the local highway could be effectively mitigated.

He argued that 20 per cent of affordable housing would be provided and the additional homes would provide jobs in the construction industry and benefits to the local economy with the additional residents and their use of local shops and businesses.

Concerns over local wildlife including deer, foxes, squirrels, badgers and hare were also raised but officers said they were not classed as protected species under planning rules.