Safety concerns raised over plan to build on green area

A housing developer wants to build 25 homes on a public open space at Parkgate, in Eston, near Middlesbrough.

But people living in the area fear that the loss of the green area will mean children's lives will be put at risk because they will have to cross busy roads to go to another estate to play.

Residents are also concerned that the development by Bellway Homes (NE) Limited of three and four-bedroomed houses and two-bedroomed bungalows would cause traffic congestion.

Council officials from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council have recommended councillors approve the application, subject to 14 conditions, when they meet today.

Ann Higgins, who represents Eston on the council, said: "It's shocking. It's the only green area on the estate.

"There's a lot of feeling from residents against this development. Children will lose a really nice place where they can play, and parents know they are safe. They'll have to go to a play area in another community and cross busy roads to get to it.

"Once the green area has gone, the children will start playing football in the streets, which is dangerous and might lead to anti-social behaviour."

The developer has agreed to make a contribution of £30,000 towards the provision of play facilities in the Eston area, but people living on the estate are still unhappy.

Coun Higgins said: "The community doesn't want a play park because it will inevitably attract older children late at night, whereas a green field does not and the amenity may not be close by to us."

Access to the proposed estate would be from Sunnygate, with emergency access from Parkgate.

A similar application was refused by the council's planning committee in November last year after they received a 27-name petition against the scheme.

But Bellway Homes (NE) has amended its plans to take account of some of the concerns expressed by the committee, which has been given a 20-name petition from residents.