FEARFUL objectors want extra time to allow for more consultation on an amended proposal to build 29 houses in Egglescliffe.

Hesland Properties rectified its plans to demolish four houses in Aislaby Road to make way for the new homes, after Stockton planning committee last month deferred its decision.

The company is now proposing to build 29 link and detached houses instead of 26 apartments and 24 houses.

On Wednesday, officers will recommend approval of the plans subject to the developer paying £32,000 towards improving pedestrian facilities and install signals at the junction of Aislaby Road and Yarm Road.

Egglescliffe Parish Council chairman Coun Sue Ireland said: "Even by removing the flats and lessening the density, there are still going to be problems with pedestrian and road safety.

"Aislaby Road is a narrow country lane and has no footpath. The parish council is really fearful that there will be a serious accident if it goes through.

"About 150 people objected to the original application and as far as I am aware a lot of residents are writing again."

Earlier this year, the parish council commissioned a report by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which highlighted a number of safety concerns regarding traffic and pedestrians.

On Monday, Coun Ireland and the parish clerk Helen Rennison met a ROSPA inspector and an officer from Stockton engineering department to re-examine Aislaby Road.

Coun Ireland said: "The developers have tried to put holes in the RoSPA report saying that it was based on information from objectors.

"The parish council couldn't afford an engineer to come out so we sent RoSPA all the information from the developer's transport assessment and a computer presentation by a resident which was very accurate.

"The RoSPA inspector still felt that the report's concerns had not been addressed and would not remove the objections."

She said that there was no sustainable bus route information or affordable housing provision in the plans to fit the Government's PPG3 planning guide requirements.

"At the last planning committee I said that it was very sad for developers to put greed before public safety," said Coun Ireland.

"I'm going to the planning committee again on Wednesday and will appeal for common sense. I am hoping for more time for discussion for the public's safety."

The parish council is trying to set up another meeting with RoSPA and representatives from the planning and engineering departments at Stockton Council.

* Plans to build three terraced houses and 21 apartments in Eaglescliffe have been submitted to Stockton Borough Council.

Developers proposing to demolish The Rookery and Sunnymount, in South View, and build three four-bedroom terrace houses and 21 two and three bed apartments.

The plans replace a previous application by George Wimpey to build 36 flats on the site.