PROTESTORS cheered when councillors voted yesterday to refuse a developer's plans to build homes on open space.

People living on the estate in Eston, near Middlesbrough, were concerned that the development of 25 homes at Parkgate would mean the loss of a green area used by children who would be forced to cross busy main roads to find somewhere else to play.

But Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee voted seven to six against the proposal.

Eston councillor Ann Higgins, speaking on behalf of residents, told the committee: "This is an emotive issue and approval would give the green light for others to try.

"We want to save all the green space we have. We are losing an amenity. The provision of an alternative play area wouldn't be safe or accessible."

The developer, Bellway Homes (NE) Limited, had promised £30,000 to create a play area in Eston and had redrawn plans for a revised scheme.

Councillor Helen McLuckie, who wanted approval to be granted, said: "It is unfair to the applicant if we refuse when they have gone to the trouble of addressing all the issues we brought up."

A spokesman for Bellway Homes (NE), which has the right of appeal, said: "We are not able to comment until we have received official confirmation from Redcar and Cleveland Council and have been given reasons why the planning application has been refused."