Plans provoked controversy when first announced last year - which came after the row over the opening of a new free school
Where the new school and homes will be built
Controversial plans for 550 new homes in Ingleby Barwick look set to be rejected this week.
Stockton Council will decide on Wednesday whether to give the go-ahead for the scheme at Little Maltby Farm, Low Lane.
But officials have recommended that the proposals are turned down.
Plans for 350 homes on neighbouring land at Low Lane, as part of the free school development, have already been given the green light.
In November it emerged Jersey-based Tivot Investments had submitted an application to Stockton Council seeking opinion for a development of up to 550 homes, neighbourhood centre, ecological enhancement works, public open space and new vehicle access.
But planners say Tivot has failed to provide sufficient information to show the development would not have a “detrimental impact” on road safety.
The firm has also similarly failed to show how the scheme would not have a damaging effect on features of archaeological interest, it is claimed.
The plans provoked controversy when first announced last year - which came after the row over the opening of a new free school.
The Labour leader of Stockton Council Bob Cook had warned the approval for a free school would lead to 1,300 new homes on the site.
Cllr Cook said at the time: “We have said all along that we are not against the provision of new school places, but we do not believe this should be delivered at the cost of a swathe of new housing that will change the character of the area and infringe on green wedge land.”
Conservative MP James Wharton, who has clashed with the council over a number of housing planning decisions, also came out against the scheme.
He said: “I believe this is a step too far and will be supporting residents opposed to these plans.
“I could accept 350 houses to go with the new school, but an additional 550 is just too much for the area to cope with.
Also opposing the plans is Ingleby Barwick Town Council, which said it would have a damaging impact on the open character of the area.
Tees Archaeology said the site has “high potential” for prehistoric and Anglo-Saxon remains. A total of 44 letters of objection were received with just two in support.
A separate petition against “new house building on our green wedge in Ingleby Barwick” has attracted 189 signatures. And a separate proposal by York-based housebuilder Persimmon Homes for 180 houses at land at Sandgate, The Rings, Ingleby Barwick, will also be decided at the meeting.
Planners have recommended the plans be approved.
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