An opposed bid to build homes on two Middlesbrough green sites has been given the green light – but a third was thrown out
Park End children who were protesting about the plans to build houses in green areas on the estate
An opposed bid to build homes on two Middlesbrough green sites has been given the green light – but a third was thrown out.
Efforts to build 24 low-cost homes across the Park End Estate drew objections from at least 65 residents. But Middlesbrough Council’s planning committee approved plans at yesterday’s meeting.
Residents claimed people in the the homes would be made to live “like battery hens” and that there are better sites available for the affordable homes.
But councillors voted unanimously to approve the application from Middlesbrough-based Erimus Housing, which plans to start the work later this month.
The company has been told they can build 16 homes on Corsham Walk and eight on Penrith Road. A third application to build eight properties on Royston Avenue was refused permission.
Residents believe the new developments will leave children with nowhere to play.
Campaigner Donna Jones, 44, of Barnford Walk, which lies opposite Corsham Walk, attended the meeting and said she was sickened by the lack of thought that has gone into the planning.
She said: “We have been fighting this for almost two years now and it just feels like a kick in the teeth.
“If this wasn’t sprung on us just this week, I am sure we could of been better prepared and residents could have attended the meeting yesterday.
“I plan to challenge the schools regarding allocated space for new pupils.
“I was told the schools in the area are already fit to burst and that’s before we get new residents in. We are just forgotton about.”
A petition signed by 39 residents strongly opposed plans to build houses on Royston Avenue with residents stating children would be deprived of a safe place to play.
Existing access to parking was also a major concern.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Francis McIntyre said: “I am happy to support both Corsham Walk and Penrith Road applications.
“But looking at the site on Royston Avenue I can say that the site is just not big enough to build the houses on. Also, the space in terms of roads and parking access, there was not enough room, it was far too small and cramped. It is for that reason I feel I could not support the third application.”
Protester and Middlesbrough Park End councillor Kevin Morby, who has lived in Park End for 57 years, said he is disappointed with the “lack of interest” from residents in the fight against houses being built on their doorstep.
He said: “We have been told the building work will go ahead due to the lack of protest from residents and unsatisfactory reasons.It just goes to show the lack of community spirit around the town, and I allege every other ward in the town are suffering the same.”
Erimus was unavailable for comment last night.
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