CAMPAIGNERS have won a second skirmish in a row at Saltburn over plans to develop artists' studios at a local beauty spot.

In the face of heartfelt pleas from the community, Redcar and Cleveland planning committee agreed to wait for a report from Tees Forest before making a decision.

The move was in direct response to comments from a crowd of objectors as councillors made a site visit on Monday.

Getting the site visit was an initial success for protesters who fear extra traffic generated by the development would wreck the area near the prized Italian gardens.

At a meeting later, committee chairman, Coun Helen McLuckie, proposed putting off a decision until Thursday to allow time for a Tees Forest report. Strictly speaking, the application is not one which would normally attract such a study.

But Coun McLuckie said: "We would be remiss if we did not get this report. The people have requested it."

Objectors' spokesman, Mr Brian Kennedy, said: "They are doing the sensible thing."

Saltburn Improvement Company wants to develop the former nursery site at Rose Walk, demolish two greenhouses and build eight studios. A bungalow would be kept as a wheelchair-accessible home or studio.

The site would also have a display area with two more studios, a gallery and public toilets.

Objectors say the idea is inappropriate and that studio provision elsewhere in Saltburn is adequate.

Mr Kennedy said: "This is a commercial venture. Studios would be bound to attract vehicles. It's the thin end of the wedge."

Mr Martin Bell said residents fought off a similar scheme ten years ago and that a document was produced at the time by the then Cleveland County Council detailing rare flora and fauna at the site.

"Those species are still here," he said, "and we fear they will disappear if the scheme goes ahead."

Planning officer, Doreen Mealing, said: "The site has been unused for some time and we feel the development is appropriate. It fits the overall philosophy for the Valley Gardens."

Mr Alistair Snow of the SIC said studios elsewhere in the town were full with a waiting list of artists wanting space.

Mr Kennedy said: "This is a place where horticulture meets wildlife.

"The people do not want commercial development here."

Calling for a public inquiry he said: "This would change the nature of this area irrevocably."

A resident, Mr Colin Johnson, said he had lived near the site for 38 years.

In the 1930s, the land was a gift from the Pease family for the benefit of the people of Saltburn. "Since then it has steadily declined and this scheme would only accelerate that. It won't benefit the people of the town," he said.

"It is ill-conceived and wrongly located in what should be a tranquil area."

One woman told the councillors: "There is passionate feeling for our wonderful and ancient gardens which contain endangered species.

"I plead with you not to develop this site as a commercial venture. The community forest has not been consulted and we want to see this happen."

Coun John Robinson warned: "This is a piecemeal development which has nothing to do with the cares of the people. It is for people to make profit to the detriment of what the area stands for. It should be deferred until proper consultation has taken place."

Mr Snow said: "We don't see this as a commercial venture at all. We have no intention of disturbing the gentle and tranquil setting.