COUNCIL officials have come under fire for allowing a block of flats to be built in the middle of an industrial estate.

Businesses that have been in Thornaby Place for decades, say if the boot was on the other foot, a busy workshop would never be allowed next to homes.

But despite a rolling platform and heavy goods vehicles in regular use at Auto Electrics, Stockton Borough Council's planning committee approved the plans when the deciding vote was left with chairman Dick Cains.

The application for 18 two-bedroom apartments is on the corner of Thornaby Place and Mandale Road, which is allocated in the council's local plan as mixed residential and business use.

The committee took part in a heated debate on Wednesday, when councillors questioned traffic and noise pollution reports.

The council's environmental health unit had no objections to the development, other than to request sound-proofing before residents move in.

During a site visit yesterday, councillors observed for themselves the noise caused by Auto Electrics, which carries out work for the Ministry of Transport.

Thornaby councillor Steve Walmsley told the meeting he was shocked that traffic reports did not raise objections for the busy junction.

He said: "To have a mixed-use site, where people live with businesses on their door-steps, is planning insanity.

"People are lured to these developments on a promise of a riverside view, and then find an office block next door. It is mad.

"This site is close to busy crossroads, and we often get misled by these so-called transport reports."

As well as the approved flats is a provision for 24 car parking spaces across the road from the five-storey block, due to lack of space.

Mark Wilson, director of family-run Auto Electrics, which has been in Thornaby Place for 50 years, said: "Its absolutely ridiculous that flats will be built in this area.

"I can't believe there were no serious concerns raised by the noise pollution - we don't want residents complaining about our business when they move in."

Conditions attached to the plan are that £4,500 be spent to improve public open space, and £5,000 on improvements at nearby traffic signals