PLANS to turn land at a former primary school into a new housing estate have been approved - despite a string of objections from local people.

The plans involve building 41 houses on the site of the old New Marske Infants School, in New Marske, along with a seven-a-side sports pitch and a play area..

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council received 22 letters of objection from local people while Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council also objected on the grounds of over-development.

The council's planning committee visited the site on Thursday to hear the views of local people.

Their concerns included the building of a retaining wall, the proximity of some of the new houses and garages to existing properties and children's safety at the proposed new play area on the other side of the estate.

Officers and representatives from builder Barretts tried to reassure residents and explain the decisions but residents felt their views were not heard. At Eston Town Hall after the meeting, councillors voted seven to two in favour of the development.

Councillor Helen McLuckie, chairman of the planning committee, said: "We have strengthened our officers' recommendations and asked the developer to look again at the concerns over the garages in a corner."