A COUNCIL has welcomed the findings of a public inquiry into land caught up in a development scheme on Teesside.

Residents called for the inquiry last year in a bid to get land known as Coatham Common, in Redcar, designated a village green.

But the area of land lies in the middle of the proposed Coatham Links Development, a proposed £55m seafront complex of housing and leisure facilities.

Following the six-day inquiry, an independent Government inspector has published his report, which recommends the village green be rejected.

The report highlights three legal reasons why the application should fail, and is recommending that the council turn it down.

Cabinet member for economic development, Councillor Vera Moody, said: "I am delighted with the inspector's decision, although we're not surprised, as we have always maintained that it wasn't a village green.

"This was a very thorough investigation that lasted several days."

The report is due to be considered by the council's village greens committee later this month.

Coun Moody said: "We are now hopeful the committee will accept the findings and remove one of the last obstacles standing in the way of the development that will breathe new life into Redcar and the wider borough.

"It will bring with it tens of millions of pounds worth of much-needed investment, along with 200 jobs, sports and leisure facilities, including swimming pools, a dance floor, a visitor and performance centre, and high-quality mixed housing."

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 28, at 10am, at Eston Town Hall.

A full copy of the inspector's report is available on the council's website, www. redcar-cleveland.gov.uk