'Anything goes' housing plan in borough attacked

COUNCILLORS have voiced concerns about over development, with proposals to build hundreds of homes.

- By GARETH LIGHTFOOT

Billingham West and Wolviston members Cllrs David Reynard and Marcus Vickers say housing developments do not match Stockton's Local Plan, which sets out a vision, strategy and policies which guide planning decisions in the borough until 2032.

They are urging the council to review the plan, following the decision by the full council to update it in January 2024.

They have referred to major housing plans, including two under consideration by Stockton Borough Council (SBC) - TCC Land’s outline proposal for up to 179 homes near Sandy Lane West, Billingham, and Cameron Hall and Jomast Developments’ plans for up to 700 homes in Wynyard.

A planning application has not yet been submitted for a third - Miller Homes’ proposals for 120 to 180 homes near Wolviston Road, for which the developer held a consultation in the summer.

The newest proposal, for Sandy Lane West, has drawn 26 comments in objection, one in support, at time of writing, with objectors raising issues including “horrendous” traffic congestion, road safety, pollution, school places, impact on rural areas and scenic walks, unsustainable growth, and strain on public transport, emergency services, doctors, dentists and utilities.