A PLAN to build 39 homes in a village near Stockton has been approved despite opposition and fears that it could lead to flooding.

The homes will be built on what are currently allotments on 2.7acres of land in Stillington north of South Avenue and permission has also been granted for a new footpath and road access.

New allotments will be created in a larger area north of the site, but seven people wrote to complain that there has already been drainage problems in the area and the new semi-detached, two, three and four-bedroom houses will worsen the situation.

A separate application to build 54 homes in the village were approved in August and the village has grown significantly in the last 20 years.

Stillington Parish Council also objected in a letter to the larger council which said: “Stillington has grown significantly in the last 20 years and car use by residents has increased in that time also.

“The parish council feel that with potentially nearly 100 properties being built in the parish and an additional 150-200 cars travelling in and out of the are on a daily basis.”

However Alaistair Willis of Developer Partner Construction pointed out that 19 of the houses would be "affordable" which would help the authority meet need. Northumbrian Water was also contacted who recommended surface water could be discharged to Bishopton Beck.

Allotment holders were reportedly happy with the move after consultations with the developers.

The plan was approved on condition that a drainage system capable to dealing with a one in 30-year storm put in place.