Revised plans for 139 new homes next to a popular beauty spot in Middlesbrough have been approved.

House builder Avant Homes will develop a 15-acre site at the now demolished St David’s Catholic School, close to the Avenue of Trees in Acklam. Approval for the site, which is included in the council’s Local Plan for development, was previously granted in 2021.

However, the application was put on hold when nutrient neutrality rules set by Natural England were introduced the following year. The developer provided details of a nutrient neutrality solution which met the requirements and Middlesbrough Council has again given the green light to the development.

The £38m scheme will see the demolition of the caretaker’s house and a development, called The Avenue, built off St David’s Way. It will comprise of 12 two-bedroomed, 54 three-bedroomed and 66 four bedroomed houses, along with five three-bedroomed bungalows with a mix of terraced, semi-detached and detached properties.

Work is expected to start this month with the first homes released for sale in November. A show home is scheduled to open in May 2025 and the first residents are expected to move in that year.

North East land director, Martin Mowbray, said: “This site creates an exciting opportunity for us to provide Acklam with our popular range of practically designed, energy-efficient homes.” In a Middlesbrough Council report, officers said the proposed layout and dwellings are of a high quality design and would provide “a pleasant and sustainable environment” while “not detracting from the historic importance of both Acklam Hall and the Avenue of Trees.”

As reported, objections were previously raised from nearby residents with concerns over the density of the development, traffic issues on Hall Drive, loss of privacy and impact on wildlife and the character and appearance of the area. A conservation officer for the council said the principle of development was deemed “appropriate”.

Historic England stated they had no objections to the proposal subject to the current hedgerow between the site and the Avenue of Trees remaining and if possible being strengthened, which was agreed by the developer. None of the trees within the Avenue of Trees will be removed as part of the development.

As part of its planning application, Sunderland-based Avant Homes committed to a planning contribution of £600,000. A section 106 agreement has been agreed for contributions to three playing fields, identified to the south of the Kader Football Club, two real time bus stops and off site affordable housing.

Regarding potential overbearing impact and loss of light at existing properties in the area, the council report said there will remain a minimum of 21 metres between the rear elevation of the new homes and the existing properties and 14 metres between side elevations. “This separation distance will ensure there is no significant impact in terms of overbearing or loss of light,” said the report.