Fears 210 homes at coast path 'just the beginning'

Residents and opponents fear plans to build 210 homes between two towns are "just the beginning" with the potential for more to be built in the area.

Developers Taylor Wimpey are proposing to build the development between Redcar and Marske, just south of the coast path, using a slice of the open land.

Pippa Watson, who has worked in Marske for 16 years, said if planning permission was approved it "will spoil one of the nicest areas" around the town.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said they understand local concerns but are "confident" their proposal will deliver a sustainable new community.

The developer said they are currently not planning any other developments and pointed to the need for housing in the local area with "a shortfall of more than 800 homes against the area's five-year housing requirement".

Independent councillor Tristan Learoyd said Marske is at the "epicentre of national overdevelopment" with too many homes being built and a lack of jobs in the area.

He said: "We have a need in this area for properties which are apartments, terrace housing, two or three bedroom semi-detached houses and bungalows to help young people onto the housing ladder.

"The specific development on the coast road will do little to help the national housing crisis and once again avoids producing housing that would help those who can't get on the housing ladder."

Learoyd said he is concerned about strips of land slowly being bought to build houses upon without improving local infrastructure, which he says is already struggling.

"These plans are just one part of developments around Marske, I expect there to be other fields up for development, all increasing the pressure on services in the area, this is just the beginning," he said.

Watson used to work at a GP surgery in Marske, which closed leaving 5,000 patients having to find alternative surgeries.

She fears extra homes will have a "huge impact on local infrastructure as well as the local environment".

"It has come as a great shock to the residents of Marske and Redcar that there are plans for houses on the coast road between the two towns," she said.

"We must not let this happen as apart from the obvious infrastructure difficulties it will ultimately join both towns together and destroy a small patch of woodland which is a little wildlife haven".

Labour MP for Redcar Anna Turley said she "strongly opposes the proposals" because the "green space between the towns matters to the people who live here".

She said: "Of course we need more homes, especially for young people and local families but we need to think carefully about where those homes are built and the impact on our roads, schools, GP surgeries and local services."

Taylor Wimpey said 15% of the homes will be affordable and the others will range from two bedroom to five bedroom homes.

The spokesperson said: "In recognition of local housing needs, our proposals seek to deliver 210 new homes, including affordable housing, within a strong landscape framework.

"We also hope to deliver 8.5 acres of green open space and children's play areas, as well as new native tree and hedgerow planting and improved walking and cycling connections."

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