AN MP has joined the fight to stop 130 homes being built amid fears it will result in a seaside town losing its identity.

Taylor Wimpey is planning to develop a greenfield site between Saltburn and Marske, but concerns have been raised that it would lead to the erosion of boundaries between the two areas.

A campaign has been launched by Save Our Saltburn (SOS) to protect the Victorian town from over-development and now Middlesbrough South and East MP Tom Blenkinsop has joined in the fight.

SOS chairman Les Manship, said: "This is a typical short-sighted strategy that will destroy the individuality of Saltburn, a perfect example of a Victorian North Yorkshire seaside resort complete with most of its period architecture."

The housing developer has lodged a planning application with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for the houses to be built on land at the rear of Wilton Bank.

Mr Manship added: "This is an unwanted development which will further erode the green wedge between Saltburn, Marske and new Marske. I live in Saltburn itself, and know it as a balanced community. More housing of this type will only serve to swamp local identity and community spirit."

Mr Blenkinsop has pointed out that the area was not identified for development on the council's Local Plan which was defeated by a coalition of Conservative, Independent and Liberal Democrat councillors.

He said: "If that plan had been approved, planning officers could have opposed this development with added powers."

The MP said he feared that if the application was rejected the developer would appeal to Government and, with no clear Local Plan, could win.

The scheme includes a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes on the 14-acre site, east of Saltburn Riding Centre and near to Liverton Whin and Wilton Bank.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: "The existing features, both in and around the site, present a number of opportunities to create a unique scheme that is responsive to the site, preserves and enhances the best of what is there where possible, and knits into the adjacent areas of open space and urban form, providing a sense of space and character."

SOS is holding an open meeting at the Emanuel Church Hall, MacNay Street, Saltburn, at 7pm, on Monday, October 27. Contact lesliemanship@mypostoffice.co.uk or call 01287-622720 for details.

The application is expected to be considered by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee in the coming months.