RESIDENTS and town councillors have again joined forces against a controversial housing development.

Plans to build 19 houses and 24 flats on less than one hectare of land have sparked outrage among Northallerton residents who believe it will cause a series of problems, including flooding, road accidents and vandalism.

Following a heated public meeting last month, housing developer Wimpey agreed to reassess the plans for the development in the Crosby Road area.

However, the Mayor of Northallerton, Councillor Jack Dobson, said the amended plans showed little change from the original when presented to the town council this week.

He said the development would cause traffic problems, worsen flooding and sewerage problems and attract anti-social behaviour to the area.

As governor of the nearby Mill Hill school, Coun Dobson also voiced serious concern over the many children who walk to school on the already busy road.

"These plans can be better and should be better. They are not acceptable for Northallerton," he said.

Residents are campaigning against the development of the site and have collected more than 50 names on a petition for Hambleton District Council, which will consider the proposal next month.

Among those spearheading the protest is Maxine Goddard, of Crosby Road, who believes the proposed three-storey flats will block the skyline and bring more traffic to an already congested road.

"We are not against a development on the land, but we are against the proposed three-storey flats. They will stop any sun coming through our windows whatsoever," she said.

"We already have problems with flooding and the traffic is horrendous. This new development as it stands at the moment will just cause more problems."

Maurice Cann, the district council's head of development control, said a number of changes had been made to the original plans.

"The proposed levels of the flats have been lowered in order to reduce the impact on the existing properties," he said.

"We are also in consultation with the local community, Yorkshire Water and the Highways Agency to ensure the issues of flooding and traffic congestion are addressed.

"Concerns have arisen about cars parked on Crosby Road and one consideration would be to put time restrictions in place."