Redcar and Cleveland is one of CPRE North Yorkshire's smaller groups HOWEVER... When you read the report of their work for our charity over since the last AGM, you wil see that size really doesn't matter! This group of dedicated volunteers continue to campaign quietly, without fuss and and at a very limited cost to the charity

During the winter we have been involved, alongside local community groups, in two Public Enquiries into proposed housing developments.
The first related to land south of Marske Road, Saltburn, which imposed on the strategic gap between Saltburn and Marske, and the second to Longbank Farm, Ormesby. The latter is a sensitive site in that it crosses the western flank of Eston Moor. A late intervention by the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust caused the developer to remove from their plan properties at the highest elevation but, none the less, the application made a major impact on a peaceful, rural, area.

Unfortunately the Planning Inspector upheld both of these appeals. Both applications were in contravention of sections of the NPPF, various local policies and strongly opposed by both communities. Despite the Government issuing statements that local people should have more say in the development of their communities it is not happening, as the drive for more houses, anywhere and at any cost, continues.

It is of interest that an application by a local law firm under Freedom of Information, revealed that, for the past five years, R&CBC has been building houses at a rate of 567 per year, well in excess of the 400 per year laid down in their strategy.

We await a further Public Enquiry in October 2016 relating to an application for 1000 properties south of Marske, plus P & R facility, Filling Station, Hotel and Public House. This is expected to last for 7 days. This application has been in progress for three years.

Two new applications relate to Fabian Road, Eston—51 residential units—and Ormesby Bank, west of Guisborough—141 residential units. The latter is opposite the southern end of the Longbank Farm application referred to above but does not have the same sensitivity. Both applications are within existing, well established, estates.

With regard to wind turbines, we still await progress regarding the Airvolution application for 2 x 140m turbines in the vicinity of Yearby, Wilton and Kirkleatham. This has been on-going for two years. Currently the developer has until 30th April 2016 to provide outstanding information.