'Majority of people remain opposed to development' claim campaigners

Campaigners opposed to a major housing scheme have called on a newly-appointed Government inspector to reject the plan.

- by Gareth Crickmer

Citing infrastructure and environmental concerns, they want the 202-house proposal-by developer Avant Homes on the former O'Brien's salvage site on the Cleadon Lane Industrial Estate, in East Boldon-to be binned.

These include what they claim is an inadequate sewerage system, a lack of forward planning around increased local school places and health facilities and harm to wildlife.

Despite their worries, they say they believe the government's ongoing nationwide drive to build new homes will see the project approved.

In the latest twist to the near four-year saga, interested parties have been told they must submit relevant documentation to the inspector by October 21.

Opponent Ian Forster, a former Cleadon and East Boldon Conservative councillor, said: "There's no doubt it will go ahead.