A SURVEY to determine the safety of a proposed housing development in Eaglescliffe has been commissioned.

Last week, Egglescliffe Parish Council was asked by residents to commission a survey by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents on a planning application which includes demolishing four homes in Aislaby Road, to make way for 26 apartments and 24 houses.

Residents are concerned about a range of issues including access, increased traffic and the suggestion by the applicant, Hesland Properties, for people from the development to use the unlit riverside path to walk to and from Yarm.

Sue Ireland, chairman, said: "I'm fully in favour of commissioning this survey. I feel Aislaby Road is a very dangerous road for the public generally whether on foot or in cars. I don't want that on my conscience if this goes ahead.

"When the application for South View was proposed, we spent £300 on leaflets and letters. I think this will be worth funding and will mean we have something in hand for any future development proposed in Aislaby Road."

The survey will cost £675 and will be based upon information provided by the parish council and residents.

Coun Ireland suggested that the council could use part of the £3,000 unexpected surplus identified in the 2002-3 budget to pay for the examination.

Coun Harry Alderton added: "When the application goes to the planning committee at Stockton Council, it will be very useful to have another independent voice. However, we don't know what it will find yet.

"The planning committee is more likely to listen to a professional body rather than to us. I think for strategic issues in the future, it will be money well spent."

All the parish councillors voted to commission the survey and it was decided that payment from the budget would be confirmed officially at the council's next meeting on Thursday