Concerns raised over housing plans for farm site

Those who back the plans acknowledged the proposed site was once open fields and farmland, but said it was now occupied by dilapidated buildings.

Concerns have been raised over plans for dozens of new homes to be built on former farmland.

Miller Homes has applied to Redcar and Cleveland Council to demolish farm buildings on land at Hutton Lane, in Guisborough, to make way for the development of 71 homes .

Objection letters from residents have raised concerns about overstretched services in the area, traffic, and the damaging impact on local wildlife.

Documents submitted on behalf of Miller Homes acknowledged the site had once been open fields and farmland, but said it was now occupied by a selection of farm buildings "in a state of disrepair", which were waiting to be demolished.

"The development would deliver much-needed new homes, and new residents to support existing services and facilities," stated papers submitted to the council by the developer.

Residents objecting to the project said they were concerned about plans to build on open fields, which represented a "crucial green corridor" that allowed local wildlife to "move freely from one area to another".

"These fields support wildlife as diverse as otters, and also include barn owls, pheasants, rabbits and newts," one resident said.

'Insufficient infrastructure'

The developer said their plans include a "biodiversity zone", with an open space including "a range of wildlife and habitat features".

They added that the area surrounding the proposed development of two- to five-bedroom properties was made up of established residential estates, noting the town had a "range of services and facilities" including schools, public transport and supermarkets.

But one resident said they were concerned that the area's infrastructure had not kept pace with new developments in Guisborough.

"It's incredibly difficult to get a doctor's appointment, and nearly impossible to find an NHS dentist," the resident claimed.

"I feel that further development at this site will do nothing positive for Guisborough, and only be detrimental."

The council has opened a consultation on the plans until 13 October.