PLANS to build houses on a college site look likely to be approved, despite fierce objections from nearby residents.

A proposal to build 51 homes on the site of Prior Pursglove College, in South Bank Avenue, Normanby, will be recommended for approval by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council on Thursday.

The homes would be built on land currently occupied by the college buildings and its access from South Park Avenue.

The proposal, which The Northern Echo understands has been put forward by Wimpey Homes, has met strong opposition from residents, of whom 14 have made written complaints to the council.

They claim that more houses in the area are unnecessary, that they would spoil its appearance and that they would lead to further developments.

Concerns have also been raised over a potential increase in traffic on the already congested South Bank Avenue.

Councillor Wendy Wall, who along with fellow Normanby representative, Councillor Sam Tombe, plans to call for a site visit, is among those most strongly opposed to the plan.

She said: "This is a beautiful area, and if we get more houses here, it's going to open the floodgates. There are enough houses in Normanby so let's leave it as it is."

But a report to the council's planning committee states: "The college is within a predominantly residential area and the current application does not incorporate the playing fields at the college site.

"The principle of a residential development at this site is therefore acceptable."