PLANS for a controversial housing estate over a 'rural haven' have been approved by councillors after central government overturned a decision to reject them.

Members of Redcar and Cleveland Council have reluctantly passed a planning application from Theakston Estates to build 400 homes on land west of Flatts Lane in Normanby.

It has been more than two years since national officials overturned a council decision to block Theakston Estates’ £45m plans for the site.

A petition opposing the scheme had attracted 1,863 signatures, 593 more on a paper petition and some 800 further letters of opposition had been submitted.

The council’s Regulatory Committee agreed and unanimously kicked out the application to build the homes in September 2016 amid protests from campaigners.

The Northern Echo:

But developer Theakston appealed to the Department of Communities and Local Government and the Planning Inspectorate later overturned the council’s decision to deny outline planning permission.

On Thursday councillors were forced to accept that their hands were tied and approved a fully fleshed out application for the site from Theakston.

The new proposals include plans for 340 three, four and five-bed homes for sale on the open market and 60 two and three-bed affordable dwellings.

Cllr Christopher Gallacher, UKIP councillor for Normanby, said: “I think I speak for the councillors that aren’t here or aren’t able to speak that the residents have a valid point.

“This development is not needed. There is not the demand in the area for these houses. There is not the demand in Teesside for lots of houses getting built.

“I feel disappointed that we, as a council, cannot stop this. I realise the situation with the inspector, but they are blind to the issues in this area.”

Cllr Neil Baldwin, independent councillor for Coatham, said: “I think the application originally was wildly unpopular and remains wildly unpopular.”

The application was passed.