RESIDENTS have reacted angrily after a scheme to build new homes on a green field site in their village was given the go ahead by council planners.

The application for eight detached homes on the outskirts of Skelton Green, east Cleveland, was approved despite more than 70 letters of objection to the scheme.

Today (Thursday, January 30), members for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council’s planning committee went on a site visit before meeting in the village hall to make their decision.

Councillor Brenda Forster called for the application to be refused on grounds of road safety but members were advised that the council’s highways team raised no concerns.

She said: “I’m not happy with the road, there will be more traffic down the road and it goes too close to the children’s play area.”

Councillor Peter Spencer recommended the application with reservations.

He said: “I can’t see how we can actually refuse this but I do this that with a great deal of regret.”

The application was approved by four votes to one.

Dave Vaughan, who lives on Cleveland View, said: “It’s a ridiculous decision, they have not listened to residents’ concerns and this could open the gate for more applications in the village.”