Saltburn: New housing development on Yorkshire coast approved at second time of asking

The proposal by Keepmoat Homes for 93 properties, a mix of two, three and four bed dwellings on agricultural land north of Marske Road, had previously been deferred by Redcar and Cleveland Council’s regulatory committee.

At a meeting in April, Councillor Carl Quartermain said he had serious concerns that many critical details, including surface and foul water drainage provision, were still to be resolved.

He also said that some associated infrastructure elements, including a new bus shelter for an existing bus stop and an improved footpath along Marske Road, were an “afterthought” only to be delivered after construction of the new homes had begun.

Keepmoat subsequently submitted further information to the council in relation to several conditions that had been attached by officers to any planning approval, which had been the subject of query by the committee.

The plans were considered again at another meeting last week and passed on the casting vote of Councillor Malcolm Head, who chaired the committee in the absence of Councillor Stuart Smith.

In its follow-up submission, the developer provided correspondence with Northumbrian Water confirming storm and foul drainage outfall locations.

It also provided a surface water management and maintenance plan.

A council officer’s report for committee members also said a construction environmental management plan had been submitted, and preparation work had begun on an initial road safety audit.

A design and access statement accompanying the application promised a “high quality residential development”.

Keepmoat said more than 15% of the development, meanwhile, would consist of “affordable units”.

It has also promised £277,698 in section 106 developer contributions towards mainstream school places in the area, along with £65,739 towards special education needs provision.

A further £52,406 will be paid into the local NHS, providing additional capacity at Huntcliff Surgery, £84,081 go towards Saltburn Leisure Centre and £19,271 towards local play facilities for children.

A total of 54 objections were raised by residents, with Saltburn, Marske and New Marske Parish Council also strongly objecting, fearing the erosion of a “strategic gap” between Saltburn and Marske previously earmarked in a Local Plan adopted by the borough council in 2018.

The application site is opposite another new build development, Larkfields, with older housing situated to the east, and has been described as occupying a prominent location at the entrance to Saltburn.