A SCHEME to build 22 homes seems likely to get the go-ahead at Whitby, despite opposition from residents.

Barratt York is seeking permission from Scarborough Borough Council to build the estate at Upper Bauldbyes, Prospect Hill, Whitby, but the town council has recommended refusal because of the high density, increased traffic Shackleton Close, and a design said to be out of keeping with a nearby listed building.

Several residents in Shackleton Close have also written to the borough authority saying the area is a wildlife habitat for hedgehogs, bats, owls and badgers, and that the scheme would cause traffic and road safety problems.

But Derek Rowell, the borough council's technical services director, said in a report to the development and regulation committee that the density was acceptable. He said some trees would be retained on the site and there were further landscaping proposals.

The council's countryside officer, Bob Missin, had inspected the site and did not believe there were any badgers or bats, said Mr Rowell.

He added that the access to the site would be from Shackleton Close.

The committee is being recommended to approve the scheme, but with a list of 19 conditions.