A MODERN five-storey apartment block could be built on the banks of the River Tees in the middle of an industrial area.

Plans have been submitted to Stockton Borough Council to develop land in Thornaby Place, next to the Victoria Bridge.

Future residents, though at a riverside location, would also look out onto garages and businesses yards away.

Council planning officers will meet next week in Stockton to make a decision on the application to construct a block of 18 apartments.

The site will be within easy walking distance of Stockton town centre.

The two-bedroom suites will be built at the corner of Thornaby Place and Mandale Road, adjacent to the busy junction at Victoria Bridge.

But businesses that have been in the road for years cannot see the attraction.

Mark Wilson, company director at the family-run Auto Electrics, which is in its 50th year, said the development would have a severe impact on business.

He said: "This road is not big enough to cope with the amount of cars and traffic as it is.

"And the development is so close to the busy junction that future residents will have problems getting in and out of car parking spaces during peak times.

"I just can't see how a building of that size is going to fit in the space allocated without having an impact on, not only our business, but others along the road."

The planning application, which will be heard on Wednesday, has been recommended for approval.

Conditions attached to the plans are that £4,500 be spent on improvements to public open space, and £5,000 be contributed towards improvements at nearby traffic signals.

A report to the committee states: "The design of the building is modern and reflects the character of the nearby modern office and residential developments."

This application is a revised plan of 27 apartments over a larger site, but after disputes over land ownership, the plans were adjusted.

The proposed block will measure 27.5 metres long by 14 metres wide, with the height reaching 18.5 metres over five storeys.

The planning meeting, which can be attended by members of the public, will be held at Central Library, Stockton, at 1.30pm.