PLANS to build 340 homes on agricultural fields near Stockton have been rejected.

The application submitted by planning agent Michael Mealing was unanimously refused by councillors on the basis it did not represent sustainable development.

It was submitted as part of a wider master plan to the land near Harrowgate Lane and Yarm Back Lane.

While councillors said the application did have some significant features in its favour, they agreed it would be harmful to approve it as it would undermine other collaborative work.

Councillor Steve Walmsley, speaking against the proposal, said: “We do not want another piecemeal catastrophe like Yarm.

“I praise officers for suggesting that we should keep with some sort of master plan.”

Local ward Councillor Julia Cherrett, who objected on the grounds of prematurity, added: “This application does not help to build cohesive communities.”

The planning report, which recommended refusal, also outlined a number of other problems including highway safety and flood risks.

Councillors were concerned that the Mile House and A66 junctions would not cope with heavier traffic volumes coming from the proposed development at Tithebarn Land.

It said: “Without such matters being satisfactorily addressed it is not considered that the resultant impacts of the proposed development are either limited or that they could be satisfactorily remediated.”

Thirty-four objections were also made by residents who live close to the land.

Their concerns include pedestrian safety, loss of green space and increased noise resulting from more traffic and construction work.

Places at doctors’ surgeries, dentists and schools in the area were also thought to be limited and might not have been able to cope with an influx of people.

An initial vote took place at the meeting after Councillor Ken Lupton suggested deferring, instead of refusing, the application. He was seconded by Councillor Phil Dennis.

Mr Lupton said: “I think we have set a precedent of looking to applications on their own.

“I would have thought there would be some consistency in decision making. I just think we are going against actions we have made in the past.”

Eleven councillors voted against this first motion and it was not passed.

Roland Firby, from Scackleton, in York, spoke in favour of the build.

He said: “This is a sustainable development within easy walking distance of shops and other amenities.”

Cynthia Firby, also from Scackleton, asked: “Can the councillors please be proactive and positive and pro-Stockton? I cannot see the advantage in holding the plans up."

The blueprint for housing developments across the entire Stockton Borough, which will include detailed plans for a wider patch of land at Harrowgate Lane, is expected to be available before September next year.