PLANNING officials have been quizzed over whether a “weak defence” was mounted against moves to bring a 300 home estate to Yarm.
Stockton Council refused Theakston Homes' proposals south of Green Lane last summer over fears they’d create more road congestion.
But the Planning Inspectorate overturned the decision on appeal in December.
Council leaders shared their frustration in the wake of the call.
However, Yarm independent Cllr Andrew Sherris has raised questions about the authority’s arguments during November’s hearings.
“At the conclusion of this we were very disappointed,” he said.
“When Cllr (Dan) Fagan and I sat in on the appeal, within the first hour we could tell exactly how things were going to go.
“Certainly, I think we were surprised and somewhat disappointed by whether it was a weak argument, or a weak defence from the authority’s point of view.
“I think there are questions which need asking – and answers given.”
Detailed plans for 100 homes on the land near the A67 were approved by seven votes to four at Stockton Council planning committee in October.
When it came to the push to create 300 homes, council planners believed works to widen Leven Road would harm its character and have an “unacceptable impact”.
But a decision report produced by the Planning Inspectorate shed more light on agreements reached.
The inspector visited the site more than once as part of their assessment – with morning peak traffic examined at the Leven Road/Thirsk Road intersection,
Their report showed council teams and the developer found common ground on moves to half the length of works to widen Leven Road.
The inspector added: “The concerns raised by local residents can be addressed through conditions, although I acknowledge that some impacts of the development, such as the predicted traffic increase on Leven Road, cannot be wholly mitigated.
“However, the impacts would not be severe.”
Stockton South MP Matt Vickers was furious after the decision – branding it “disgraceful and completely misguided”.
He said: “The impacts of this decision will condemn local commuters and residents to gridlock.
“Without any meaningful plans to radically upgrade the present infrastructure, allowing the construction of 200 extra homes will be a total disaster for the area.”
The Conservative MP also believed the planning system was “broken and not fit for purpose” – adding he’d take up the decision with the housing minister.
The land south of Green Lane has been earmarked for homes in Stockton Council’s “Local Plan” – a blueprint setting out where homes and developments should go in the next decade.
Cllr Nigel Cooke, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, was “hugely frustrated” after the inspectorate overturned the council’s refusal decision.
Stockton Council has been contacted for comment.
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