PLANNERS have given the go-ahead to a housing development in a rural village.

It was approved following a site visit by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee last week.

They voted six to five in favour of the plan for Wharton Place, Boosbeck, which includes building 50 homes in a cul-de-sac, with access off High Street. It will be a mixture of semi-detached, detached and terrace homes.

Residents raised objections, including the impact on the landscape, an increase in traffic, and the possibility of disturbing bats roosting in derelict farm buildings.

Committee chairman Councillor Peter Spencer said: "While we appreciated residents' concerns, we felt the scheme would benefit the community because of the planned mixed development."

Planning officers recommended the application be approved with seven conditions, including a bat survey.

A report stated: "No development shall commence until the completion of a bat survey and where bats are present a scheme for their protection has been produced."