RESIDENTS have raised concerns over plans to build 29 houses in Egglescliffe.

Last week, Mark Wilson, from property developer Charles Church, presented plans for the homes in Aislaby Road to the parish council.

A proposal to demolish four houses and replace them with 29 homes was passed by Stockton Borough Council last September. However, Charles Church will now develop the site and will seek permission to demolish five homes instead.

Mr Wilson said: "We found that the first scheme lacked character so we have provided for a far better scheme in terms of how the house numbers and plots work.

"We have taken away the semi-detached homes and are looking at building executive houses in this area. We are also trying to relax the overall density.

"The new houses have a far more residential and quality feel about them."

Six or seven two-storey house types, all with four or five bedrooms, are proposed for the site.

""We are aware of the problems faced by residents and wanted to see you first," said Mr Wilson.

"The site has planning permission and what we are doing is taking it to a more realistic stage."

A number of residents suggested that the planned footpath to Leicester Way could be removed.

But vice-chairman Coun Harry Alderton said: "If the cut-through to Leicester Way was taken out, it would alter the traffic assessment and the original planning application was dependent on it.

"If it wasn't in there, I would be very concerned and a new traffic assessment would have to be completed."

Chairman Coun Sue Ireland said the parish council had originally objected on grounds of pedestrian safety along Aislaby Road.

Mr Wilson said that under a planning agreement, Charles Church had an obligation to provide a footpath and would discuss it further with the planners.

Residents were also worried about the timescale of the work, landscaping and the proximity of the new houses to their homes.

Mr Wilson said: "We are looking at a work programme of about 22-24 months until the last unit is sold.

"There will be obligations on us regarding working times, dust and noise. We usually start at 8am and finish at 5pm.

"We understand that neighbours want their privacy respected and we will look at a landscaping programme with neighbouring residents.

"We have also made sure that the houses are more than 21m from each other.

"We will take on board all the views and we are meeting the planners before the final plans are devised."

The parish council agreed to write to Charles Church to request any updates on the scheme after the meeting with planners.