Plans to develop an undertakers site are likely to get the go-ahead later this week, despite concerns it will lead to traffic congestion in an already busy area.

Planning permission is expected to be granted by Stockton Borough Council on Friday for a restaurant at the undertakers in Yarm Road, near Eaglescliffe, and the change of use from an agricultural field to a car park for 15 vehicles.

If approved, the restaurant would be sited to the east of Yarm Road, next to the Blue Bell pub. The area lies within the green wedge which extends from Stockton to Yarm. It has also been designated as Cleveland Community Forest.

A number of objections have been raised by local residents, concerned that the restaurant car park would lead to a creeping of development into the green wedge area.

They also say that the car park would be a danger to pedestrians using the adjacent footpath.

Councillor Marjorie Simpson, who represents Yarm, said: "I think the restaurant will make the congestion of traffic even worse than it is at present. There will be tremendous traffic problems in an already-congested area of Yarm. There are already a number of restaurants in the High Street, which are adequate."

Egglescliffe Parish Council has also objected, on the grounds that the plan would change the outlook of the area and traffic would need to cross two footpaths.

A spokesman for the council said: "The restaurant would generate additional traffic flow and increase the number of right hand-turning vehicles at this hazard point. It would also destroy the character and access to Stoney Bank, and mean the removal of hedgerows."

In a report, Carol Straughan, director of environmental and technical services said: "It is considered that the proposed development represents an appropriate use in this location, both in terms of complementing the existing public house facilities next door and in the improvements to the building, which will enhance the character of the conservation area."