Plan for 500 homes despite 'don't build them' plea

There have been numerous responses from residents who oppose the planning proposal

A developer has submitted plans for hundreds of new homes despite a consultation receiving pleas from residents which included "don't build them", "shelve it" and "it needs to be scrapped".

Gladman Developments Ltd has applied to Stockton Council for permission to build up to 495 homes near Green Lane in Yarm, with public open space, landscaping, a drainage system and other infrastructure.

The plan is only in outline form at the moment, with a more detailed scheme likely to come later if it is approved.

One response to the developer's consultation said: "The only change that would make these proposals acceptable is to withdraw them."

Gladman said the homes would bring 704 new residents, 111 construction jobs and 151 indirect jobs over the 11-year building period.

It wants to build homes of mostly two storeys including 99 affordable homes, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In its planning statement, the developer admitted the plans would "urbanise" the site.

Gladman said: "The site adjoins but lies beyond the defined development limit of Yarm. For planning policy purposes, the site sits within the countryside.

"The development proposed would extend the western edge of Yarm into the countryside, but only marginally."

The company argued Stockton Council's policies are out of date as the authority cannot show a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites, so planning permission "should be granted unless any adverse impacts of doing so would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits".

'I'm fuming'

Following a consultation in September and October, with leaflets sent to about 600 homes, responses revealed significant opposition to the proposals which were variously dubbed "not needed or wanted", "ridiculous" and "immoral".

One respondent said: "Yarm is struggling to cope with the overdevelopment as it is, without adding nearly 500 more houses. The infrastructure cannot cope."

Others suggested improvements to cycle lanes and sustainability measures, a play area and community facilities which would "make a hug difference to everyday life".

Meanwhile one resident replied: "Anything other than more houses, more people with no infrastructure. Honestly, I'm fuming."

A council spokesperson said: "We can confirm an application has been received for up to 495 new homes in Yarm.

"The application will now be considered as part of the council's planning procedures."