AN application for a sewerage scheme in Marske has been approved.

Protestors raised concerns about a sewage pumping station in the town, but Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee has agreed to the development, which Northumbrian Water said would help bring Marske beach up to standards required by the Environment Agency by spring next year.

The application will involve building a pumping station control room and an access road on land east of St Germain's Lane, Marske.

The council received a petition with 511 names objecting to the proposal and another containing 385 names objecting because of the building's visual impact.

Residents have argued for months that the development would have a detrimental affect on the coastline and produce odour and fumes, and would affect property values.

But the water company said it has similar tanks operating in the region without problems.

Communications manager Alistair Baker said: "It is going to help prevent flooding and bring environmental improvements to the bathing waters."

Marske beach is designated a Bathing Water under the Bathing Waters Regulations 1991. In a report to the planning committee, Northumbrian Water said that, following heavy rainfall, discharges into the sea at Marske might include unwanted solids.

This has led to problems in compliance with standards set by the European Union Bathing Waters Directive, which the water company needs to meet.