CAMPAIGNERS have been left bitterly disappointed after plans to build two apartment blocks near a primary school were finally approved.

Residents in the Green's Lane area of Hartburn, Stockton, said they feared their neighbourhood would now be spoilt after councillors voted seven to six in favour of the plans.

The first application was refused last year on the grounds that it would be an over-development of the site, be overbearing to residents and did not have suitable access.

However, on Wednesday, the majority of members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee supported the revised plans, which had already been given backing by a planning inspector subject to some alterations.

Two detached houses at 69 and 71 Greens Lane will be demolished to make way for the two blocks, containing 15 apartments, alongside three dormer bungalows.

There will also be a car park, cycle and bin store and access to Green's Lane.

Neighbour Andrew Morrison, who addressed the committee and was one of 33 people to object, said many people believed it was the wrong development for the area.

He said he would continue the fight until the condition to impose a Traffic Regulation Order prior to work starting, preventing vehicles from parking within visibility of the access, was made.

"It is going to spoil the area. I am very disappointed," said Mr Morrison, of nearby Dunedin Avenue. "Parking provision is inadequate. "

Hartburn councillor Ken Lupton, who left the meeting after he declared an interest, said: "There are significant traffic problems in that area and for the safety of the children at Hartburn Primary School, I am disappointed it was approved."

However, agent Tony Watts, who spoke on behalf of the developer and landowner, said he believed it was the right decision.

He said concerns regarding the proximity of the buildings had been addressed and would not impact on privacy.

And he said the access was now suitable and that sufficient parking spaces had been provided.

He said: "We have revised the scheme to a point now where it addresses all the issues that the planning inspector raised."