A fresh bid to build a new estate on a field in Nunthorpe looks set to be given the green light despite repeated concerns it would add extra strain on the Marton Crawl.

The proposal for three, four and five bedroomed properties by Stonebridge Homes would see the demolition of existing buildings on the land at Ford Close Riding Centre off Brass Castle Lane.

Middlesbrough councillors unanimously rejected the firm’s past bid to bring 69 houses to the stretch in 2020 and an appeal was dismissed the following year.

The developers have tried again – this time reducing the number of homes proposed for the site to 45. The scheme has been recommended for approval prior to the council’s planning committee on Thursday.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Brass Castle Lane, Nunthorpe

Concern has again been voiced over the scheme’s potential impact on traffic – particularly on the infamous Marton Crawl. Six objections were received by the council from residents and, ward councillors, Nunthorpe Parish Council and Marton West Community Council.

The concerns include:

  • New houses being built without improvements to local services
  • The A172 into Middlesbrough not being improved to cope with the increased volume of traffic, due to new housing in the area
  • Stainton Way widening “has failed” to improve traffic flow and traffic from the new housing at Marton and Nunthorpe has “exacerbated the problem”

Nunthorpe councillor Mieka Smiles noted the proposed bungalows are two-storey and said they were not in accordance with the Marton West Neighbourhood Plan. She also said the development would put “undue pressure on an already stretched infrastructure” in the area.

“We as a community have had a number of unkept promises tied into development of nearby land – a community centre, woodland walks, restaurant and pub,” she said. “Any development here will mean further erosion of our green space and potential loss of habitats.”

Planning officers said the development would not have a “material” impact on traffic due to the reduced numbers of homes proposed. “Clearly the current proposals are for fewer units and as such would generate less traffic leading to an even smaller potential impact on the network,” said the report.

They also said the site, which is allocated for housing in the draft Local Plan for approximately 45 homes, would provide “a good mix of dwelling types which are of a high quality design and materials, in an attractive landscaped setting with an appropriate layout.” Approval would be subject to a section 106 agreement, under the recommendations.

This would see the developer pay towards towards highways infrastructure improvements. It would also be required to contribute towards the upkeep of Bonny Grove Park, wetlands at West Moor Farm and Fairy Dell as well as works at Marton West Beck.