A housing development attracted objections from residents, councillors and an MP over building homes on a field next to the A19.
The plan ignited debate over whether it was an "incursion into the countryside" or meeting a huge need for affordable housing in County Durham.
Partner Construction asked for planning permission to build 49 affordable homes - two to four-bedroom properties including 14 bungalows - near Sea View Walk, Murton.
The plans were discussed at a Durham County Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday (November 8).
Read more: Stockton & Darlington Railway group objects to solar farm
The scheme drew 26 letters of objection raising concerns about landscape, obscuring views, loss of open land and a green corridor, traffic congestion, road safety, parking, noise and disturbance, impact on wildlife, flooding, drainage, air pollution, loss of light and privacy, access to public transport and shops and strain on local services.
Ward councillor Robert Adcock-Foster said there was an undoubted need for affordable housing but "we feel the proposed development is quite simply in the wrong place.
"And, if successful, will cause significant harm to the character, quality and distinctiveness of the landscape.
"This development would result in an unacceptable incursion into the countryside."
He said the proposed homes would "encircle" the Sea View estate, add to immense pressures on struggling schools, GP and dental practices, and worsen traffic issues.
Resident Kelly Monahan said: "It is an intrusion into the countryside."
She said the only gap between Seaham and Murton would be a piece of green land alongside the A19, an access corridor for wildlife, and residents' calls for it to be designated green belt had been "ignored".
She added: "This sets a very dangerous precedent for development in this strategic gap between settlements.
"Myself and other local residents have been fighting planning applications along this green gap beside the A19 for over 20 years. This is not the first and it will not be the last."
Read more: Police on 'right road' over crime figures in Durham and Darlington
Steve Robson, Murton parish councillor and member of the Sea View Action Group, said children played on the grass in front of their houses: "I'm absolutely dreading this development going ahead because of the safety aspect to these young children.
"It's just an accident waiting to happen.
"I can only envisage disaster. There's going to be a young person seriously injured or killed.
"We will have an extra 100 to 140 car journeys per day as a result of this, and in my mind it isn't sustainable. The nearest bus stop is 400m away. The nearest shop is 600m away. People will not walk."
MP Grahame Morris objected and said he shared the concerns of constituents.
Read more: Six warehouses to be built in Chester-le-Street Drum Industrial Estate
Senior planning officer Jennifer Jennings said there would be landscape harm but planting gave "suitable mitigation".
She said: "We consider that there will continue to be a sizeable green buffer between the settlement and the A19 corridor.
"Suitable distances would be maintained between new dwellings and existing dwellings.
"We do feel there is a genuine choice of transport modes within the area.
"We have received a large range of objections. These have all been duly considered. The issues raised, however, are not found to be sufficient to warrant refusal in this case."
The council's planning officers recommended the plan for approval.
Read more: Darlington Council approves plans to build 27 new homes despite anger
Alexander Frankland, for the applicant, said residents' concerns had been addressed or could be controlled by conditions.
He said: "Partner Construction recognises the serious responsibility which comes with building new communities.
"There is an identified need for affordable housing in east Durham. This development will deliver 100% of the new homes as affordable.
"The proposal has been designed to integrate into the surrounding landscape.
"It is clear that the development will not result in the merging of Murton with the settlement on the other side of the A19."
Read more: Bowburn disabled woman describes struggle during the cost of living crisis
Cllr Alan Bell supported the plan, saying: "The need for affordable housing is absolutely bigger than ever."
Cllr Kevin Shaw said: "There's over 10,000 people registered for social housing.
"There's clearly a balance here. There's clearly local concerns that residents have raised. The impact on the local landscape is always a huge concern.
"I do think we must support this application because the outstanding need for affordable housing and social housing is absolutely massive.
"If our communities are going to be sustainable and continue to grow, we've got to look at new housing developments.
"Everybody understands the need of a housing development but they don't necessarily want them where they live."
The plan was approved unanimously with conditions including an agreement for the developer to pay £232,834 to secondary schools, health provision, open space and coastal management.
Read next:
Sherwoods Motor Group's former finance director given suspended sentence for fraud
Drinker jailed for glass attacks at County Durham club
Chester-le-Street River Wear sees seal relaxing and playing in water
What do you think of the plans? Why not leave a comment on this story. Go to the top of this story and leave your thoughts.
If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here