AN executive housing development which has been advertised before being granted planning permission has caused fury among residents.

The Jasmine Field project in the village of Kirklevington, near Yarm, Stockton, is proposing 30 executive homes and bungalows.

Despite not being given the official go-ahead by Stockton Borough Council, Clarion Homes Ltd has advertised in local press that work will start "some time next year".

The Yarm-based housing company has just completed Phase 1 of Jasmine Field, which includes 12 homes.

Resident Lisa Severs, along with almost 100 neighbours, has already raised concerns about traffic congestion in relation to the first development, before hearing about the new project.

Ms Severs, who lives in Kirklevington with husband Simon, told how she received a letter from the council on August 23 giving notice of a planning application.

The following day, an article appeared in a local weekly newspaper.

Ms Severs said: "We were mortified when we saw it. The only information we had was a letter the previous day saying it was going to be considered.

"I am disgusted at Clarion's arrogant assumption to publish an article saying work will start next year.

"We were against the new 12 homes due to the increase in traffic and danger to pedestrians, so we were shocked to hear that there could be another 30 homes built."

She said the main route from the village, along Forest Lane, was treacherous and claims pathways at some points were only 50cm wide.

A meeting was held last week in the village hall attended by about 100 residents.

Ms Severs said: "In a vote at the end of the meeting, 76 people said they were completely against the development and six people abstained from voting either way. We hope the council take our points seriously and consider ways to alleviate the traffic problems."

A spokesman for Clarion Homes said: "The planning application was submitted to the local authority in August and we are still in consultation with them regarding the development."