Forty-nine new homes are in the offing in Ormesby after a decision by councillors to grant detailed planning permission.

The scheme by Lovell Homes for land south of Spencerbeck Farm, which lies off Normanby Road, will consist of 30 three-bedroomed homes, 11 four-bedroomed homes and eight two-bedroomed homes.

It had been recommended for approval in an officer’s report for members of Redcar and Cleveland Council’s regulatory committee.

Councillors previously granted outline planning permission in January 2021, which included demolishing some existing farm buildings to make way for development.

Reserved matters – in essence the detail of the plans – were then considered in March 2022 with the application since then subsequently being updated, resulting in an increase from 46 to 49 homes, with a revised site layout also being drawn up.

The report said the changes made were considered to have resulted in an improved appearance of the street scene.

Councillor Philip Thomson raised concerns about nutrient neutrality, which requires that housing developers should not add more nutrient pollution in the form of nitrates to local water catchments.  The report said the developer had applied and been successful in obtaining credits from Natural England to allow 32 of the proposed 49 homes to be mitigated as part of a nutrient mitigation scheme.

It was also seeking further credits to offset any impact in respect of the remaining properties, which would only be able to be constructed once secured.

The report said: “Given the nature of the site and the proposed development it is not possible for the mitigation to be fully provided on site in this instance.”

Cllr Thomson said he was disappointed the developer was not “100% compliant”.

He said: “I see no reason why a builder of today cannot achieve that, despite an increase in unit price [of the properties].

“This local authority should have an environmental policy that seeks to secure wherever possible, within legislative provision, an environment free of pollution.”

Meanwhile, committee chairman Councillor Tristan Learoyd said he would like to see no gas, or less gas use in the properties, along with as much climate mitigation as possible.

Cllr Learoyd said he was not against the development, but felt councillors could “drive a bargain” in terms of desired environmental measures and suggested the application be deferred.

The council’s development services manager Claire Griffiiths said it was “constantly” highlighting such elements to developers and it was “pushing as much as we can that drive and aspiration from members”.

Phil Jones, representing the applicant, said: “The proposed development has been given a clean bill of health by your expert officers and by statutory organisations with no objections.”

Mr Jones said the scheme was “well considered and sympathetic”, while the design of the development aimed to deter potential crime and anti-social behaviour.

He said the site in question had long been recognised as a suitable location for additional “much needed” new homes in the borough.

Mr Jones said sustainability was at the heart of the proposal, which included photovoltaic solar panels, each new property being provided with an electric vehicle charging point, and the use of natural and sustainable materials.

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Councillor Stephen Martin said he was worried about properties becoming more expensive because of environmental demands, pushing them out of reach of some local residents.

He suggested the committee should pass the plans, in line with the officer recommendation, with the majority of members agreeing in a show of hands.

Access onto the new site will be via Normanby Road with the council planning officer considering the internal highway layout, parking provision, footpaths and traffic calming elements as all acceptable.