PLANS to build up to 100 new houses between Yarm and Kirklevington have been approved despite fierce opposition.

Detailed proposals to develop land close to a busy stretch of the A67 were given the green light by Stockton Borough Council’s planning committee.

Developers Theakston Estates aim to create a housing estate on agricultural land bordered by Yarm School’s playing fields on Green Lane and the A67.

The contentious development, which council officers admit is outside of the limits to development for Yarm, would see up to 100 new houses built in the “strategic gap” that lies between the town and nearby Kirklevington.

Most of the properties would be executive homes, with 15 per cent allocated as affordable housing.

At Wednesday’s meeting, a number of impassioned local residents attempted to convince councillors to reject the application and prevent “urban sprawl”.

At least 90 more objections were lodged with the council once the plans were submitted.

Concerns about increased traffic congestion, lack of adequate public transport and issues around road safety have been repeatedly raised, along with the potential impact of the development on existing amenities.

Council officers say congestion on the A67 and possible problems accessing the estate will be mitigated by improvements at the Crathorne interchange, new bus stops, pedestrian crossings and the enforcement of a 40mph speed limit nearby.

The authority’s traffic and network safety manager, Joanne Roberts, told the meeting that she was satisfied that the development would be able to be accessed safely.

However, Cllr Phil Dennis – who voted to reject the application – highlighted a “mismatch” between council perceptions of existing traffic problems in the area and residents’ experiences.

He said: “I wonder what assessments have been done on similar sites as to how accurate our traffic modelling system has been in terms of the number of vehicles on site.

“It concerns me that we have got a significant difference of opinion professionally compared to what is felt by residents in the area.

“Day to day, residents have to drive this route and they have the experience of what it is like there.”

Councillors voted to approve the plans in light of a report that said the site was sustainable and that developers would fund extra school places.

The report added: “The supply of housing land is a significant material consideration and the council is not able to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing land.”

The plans come months after Jomast Developments had proposals to build 145 homes on the edge of Kirklevington approved.