A PLAN to build 320 homes on farmland has been rejected amid concerns the estate would impact on traffic, flooding risk and schools in the area.

The proposal for the development on Longbank Farm, Ormesby, was recommended for approval by planning officers at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council but their opinion was rejected.

Members of the council’s regulatory committee were not convinced by alterations made to the scheme after initially refused last October.

Several residents spoke at today’s meeting when they expressed concerns about the potential of disturbing former mine workings that could cause problems for the foundations of their properties.

Addressing the committee, one of the objectors said: “We are worried that if they started putting housing on there, there will be major issues for us residents.”

Local councillor Ann Wilson also spoke in opposition to the scheme. “It’s just ridiculous to consider building on that land,” she said. “We have had ambulances unable to get up the hill due to weather conditions and we had to get the helicopter out.”

John White, who is acting as agent to the applicant, reminded members that the plans had been revisited in light of the reasons for refusal last October and urged them to follow officer recommendation.

Councillor Brenda Forster, recommended that members refused the application, saying: “I have no problem with houses being built on there but I do have a problem with the traffic – it is horrendous and needs sorting out before this plan can go ahead.”

And Councillor John Hannon agreed with his colleague’s opinion that the scheme should be rejected.

“I don’t think we can go ahead with this on the grounds of traffic,” he said.

Another councillor who objected to the application was Councillor Dave Fitzpatrick. “I don’t thing I can support it,” he said. “I don’t think they should be building on the countryside.”

The application was supported by Councillor Eric Jackson who called for a vote in favour of the scheme.

He said: “If we turn this application down there is still time for them to go to appeal and get the original application and they will probably win it there.”

His was proposal was seconded by Councillor Denise Bunn but all other members of the committee voted against it.

The vote to go against officer recommendation and oppose the scheme, which was put forward by Cllr Forster, was approved by nine votes to two on the grounds it was outside the permitted development area and concerns about traffic problems and a shortage of suitable school places.