Flats plan under scrutiny

Plans to build affordable flats on a desirable estate in Redcar, are to be considered by the council planning committee.

Cleveland Housing Aid Trust wants to build 22 flats on derelict land on the Ings estate.

But residents have said they will not be in keeping with the area and could have an adverse effect on house prices.

They are also concerned the properties could be used to house asylum seekers and the unemployed, despite assurances from Trust general manager Harold Eddy that they will be put up for sale.

We don't want some of the people [the flats] are going to attract, regardless of what people say Russell Vickers, resident

It is understood the two-storey block flats will only be aimed at people 45-years-old and above.

The block is planned for the site of derelict Wheatlands Farm cottages, near new housing schemes either side of Redcar Road.

Redcar and Cleveland Council have received 154 letters of objection and petition.

Resident Russell Vickers said: "We don't want some of the people [the flats] are going to attract, regardless of what people say.

"There is talk of DSS and asylum seekers, they just don't fit around here. There are places they can go instead of here."

Councillor Mike Findley, who represents Ings residents, said there was huge opposition to the plans.

He said: "We had a public meeting here a few weeks ago and there was between 250 and 300 resident there, that tells story, they are really up in arms.

"They don't want flats of any description on the site

"They understand that something has to be done because what is there at the moment is an eyesore, but not flats at any cost."