A CONTROVERSIAL proposal to build artists' studios on a former gardeners' site is expected to win councillors' approval.

A proposal has been submitted to develop studios, a gallery and public toilets on the Old Nursery Site, at Rose Walk, Saltburn.

Planners from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, which owns the area, are expected to approve it after a site visit on Monday, but residents strongly oppose the move.

They have written 26 letters of objection to the scheme, which involves the demolition of a greenhouse and garages.

Those in favour say the studios, which would be built near the Italian Gardens and linked with the adjacent Woodland Centre, would tidy up the area and enhance the site's facilities.

A report to the planning committee said: "Concern has been expressed regarding the appropriateness of this use in the Valley Gardens. The site is totally enclosed, with a high wall separating it from the Italian Gardens."

It was not considered that the redevelopment of the site would have an adverse effect on the wider environment.

But among the grounds for objection in letters to the council, a likely increase in traffic features prominently.

Redcar and Cleveland council declined to comment in advance of the site visit.