Concerns at council land sale

A PARCEL of land that makes up part of a ‘green wedge’ between Normanby and Ormesby has been placed up for sale - to the consternation of a local councillor.

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

Redcar and Cleveland Council has invited tender bids for the 2.35 acre plot off Ainstable Road, which is adjacent to a new housing development under construction at Spencerbeck Farm.

Normanby ward councillor Curt Pugh said he feared there would be “basically nowhere left” in terms of green spaces in the area.

He highlighted how the council had identified the green wedge, spanning more than 30 acres, in a 2016 strategic review that said it had “recreational value to the local community” and was of “high value in maintaining the separate character of Ormesby and Normanby”.

He said the local authority had now “abandoned the sensible findings” from the review, which had suggested that any further development would result in the virtual coalescence of the suburban area and any remaining green wedge should be protected.