THE final piece of land designated for housing in a Middlesbrough suburb has been released for building, despite residents' objections.

Developers will now be asked to tender for the three- hectare site off Longbridge, Coulby Newham, after regeneration bosses cleared the way for about 80 homes.

Objectors had raised concerns about the loss of open green space, the generation of increased traffic in Marton and Acklam roads, and the loss of trees.

Regeneration officer Joan Mulrine sought to reassure Middlesbrough Council's executive officer for regeneration, Councillor David Budd, the man who made the decision to release the land, that additional traffic was a minor problem.

She said: "We did a traffic survey which showed there will be a 1.9 per cent increase on Marton Road. We are unlikely to release any more land in Coulby Newham, so this is within acceptable levels."

The council's economic, regeneration and culture team is hoping to address the residents' anxieties by including a number of financial clauses in the proposed scheme.

The successful developer will have to pay £115,000 towards a new classroom at Lingfield Primary School, £80,000 towards improvements to Marton West Beck Valley Nature Reserve and £100,000 towards a new pedestrian crossing on Stainton Way.

Coun Budd said the land release would complete the development of the area, which has been going on for 25 years.

He said: "It was a community where we pioneered, very successfully, the idea of mixing private housing with homes for rent or shared ownership, and I'm pleased to see we're following that principle in this development, which will bring more good-quality housing to Middlesbrough.

"We also want it to be a process which benefits the whole community, so we will be making sure the developer not only provides a mix of good-quality housing, but also contributes to the local environment, road safety and important local facilities."

Marton West ward councillor Ann Ward objected to the proposals, but accepted the land would eventually be released despite the residents' concerns.

She said: "It is very unfortunate, really, but there was an inevitability about it. I'm very sorry it has happened because it would have been nice to have a green belt for the area."