Dust cloud anger over housing site work

Work on a controversial housing development has led to problems of noise and dust, nearby residents have said.

More than 800 homes are being built on the Long Field site in Marske, Teesside.

There were complaints at a public meeting that excavators were causing large clouds of dust, leaving houses and cars covered in red silt.

Developers Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes said they were "continuing to engage with the community to ensure all concerns are addressed".

The plans sparked a number of protests, with Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's decision to refuse outline planning permission overturned by a government planning inspector.

There were then calls to halt it following a number of archaeological finds.

A public meeting heard people living in Sherwood Drive and Delamere Drive said they had been unable to hang washing or sit in their garden due to the dust, and some suffering from existing respiratory problems were staying indoors as a result.

Local councillor Tristan Learoyd, Independent, said the dust clouds being created by diggers were "enormous" and could be seen a mile away.

In an e-mail to the developers, he also referenced noise concerns, claiming contractors were still on site one evening, outside permitted working hours.

He called upon them to "act on these nuisances as soon as possible".

A spokeswoman for the developers told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "We have increased efforts to dampen down dust and will continue to ensure that work is only done within the permitted working hours.

"All work on site is being carried out in line with the approved planning permission and the development's construction environment management plan."

She added work was only undertaken in areas after they have been investigated and signed off by independent archaeological advisors.

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