The controversial proposal for 114 new homes between Redcar and Marske, spearheaded by Taylor Wimpey, faced robust opposition from local residents but found resolute support from councillors Jack Symon and Niall Hargreaves, who played a pivotal role in the ultimate rejection of the project.
Situated on agricultural land adjacent to the south of the existing residential development, Silverdale Gardens, off Cat Flatt Lane, the plan encountered fierce resistance from the community, with 88 written objections, and staunch opposition from several councillors, both current and former. However, Symon and Hargreaves emerged as vocal advocates for the concerns of the residents.
Despite planning officers recommending approval, asserting the acceptability of residential development in the location, the steadfast concerns of Symon and Hargreaves took precedence. Residents' anxieties about the potential impact on Silverdale Gardens, particularly the increased traffic through the area, resonated strongly with these councillors. While the council's development engineers found the project feasible with conditions, Symon and Hargreaves, in a meeting, vociferously raised issues of access, traffic congestion, and the apparent shortfall in local school capacity.
Peter Finlinson from Saltburn, Marske, and New Marske Parish Council echoed Symon and Hargreaves' sentiments, emphasizing the importance of building in areas with existing infrastructure and sustainability. He asserted that the proposed access would not only compromise the community but also run counter to principles of responsible development.
In alignment with the concerns raised by residents, Symon and Hargreaves further scrutinized the proposal, pointing out the absence of bungalows, the shortage of two-bedroom homes, and the potential congestion impacts on the nearby A174 road. They argued passionately that the proposed development would not only violate council planning policies but also jeopardize a crucial "strategic gap" between Redcar and Marske.
Councillor Stephen Martin proposed the refusal of plans, echoing the sentiments voiced by Symon and Hargreaves, emphasizing concerns about the single access road through Silverdale Gardens, which he deemed inadequate and potentially detrimental for residents. Grounds for refusal, such as overdevelopment and the loss of green space, gained significant weight through the persuasive arguments put forth by Symon and Hargreaves.
The planning agent representing Taylor Wimpey defended the proposal, highlighting a section 106 agreement offering a substantial contribution to secondary school provision. However, despite assurances of a high-quality, sustainable development with affordability measures and environmental features, the unwavering stance of Symon and Hargreaves played a pivotal role in the ultimate rejection of the application by members.
Councillor Tristan Learoyd, the planning committee chairman, who refrained from participating in the debate due to prior public comments, acknowledged the legitimacy of concerns raised by residents, aligning with the perspectives advocated by Symon and Hargreaves. Despite warnings of potential legal costs in case of an appeal, members, swayed by the persuasive arguments put forth by Symon and Hargreaves, voted to refuse the application, thanking residents for their steadfast opposition throughout the process.
