In a significant shift in housing policy, Redcar and Cleveland is set to experience a substantial increase in its annual housebuilding targets. The Labour government's plan to construct 1.5 million homes over the next five years has resulted in this northern region's target rising from 45 to 642 homes annually, marking a 1,300% increase.
This dramatic change comes at a time when Redcar and Cleveland faces numerous economic challenges. As the 28th most income-deprived local authority in England, the area struggles with child poverty rates and below-average salaries. The closure of the last blast furnace at Redcar's steelworks in 2015, which once contributed to iconic structures like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, resulted in approximately 3,000 job losses, further impacting the local economy.
The largest ongoing development is in Marske-by-Sea, adding over 800 homes to a town of 8,000 residents. This expansion has raised concerns among locals about the strain on existing infrastructure. Tristan Learoyd, a local councillor, points out:
"Our services are already overstretched. It's really difficult to get a GP appointment – you wait for ages, and need to go to the next town. The schools are also at capacity, and a lot of the people moving into these big houses are going to have kids – where are they going to go?"
The region's diverse landscape, from industrial areas to coastal resorts, presents unique challenges in balancing development with preservation. Saltburn-by-the-Sea, known for its Victorian pier and cliff lift, contrasts sharply with the more economically challenged areas of Redcar. Residents like Helen Martin express concerns about losing the area's distinct character:
"My worry is we'll lose that feel, and become just another generic toy-town. Everything south of Middlesbrough is becoming a suburb of it because of the development."
The development plans have also raised archaeological concerns. Dr. Kendra Quinn, a local archaeologist, has been campaigning to protect a site in Marske where Roman artifacts were discovered. Despite efforts to secure protection from Historic England, development is proceeding, potentially impacting a site that could provide insights into the region's Roman history.
Adding to residents' frustrations are unfulfilled promises from developers. When the 812-house development in Marske was approved in 2017, Taylor Wimpey committed to building a school and a GP surgery. However, in 2022, the company decided against constructing these amenities, opting instead for Section 106 payments to the council.
As Redcar and Cleveland navigate these challenges, the impact of increased housing targets on local communities remains a contentious issue. The region, with its rich industrial heritage and diverse landscape, including parts of the North York Moors National Park, faces the complex task of balancing growth with preserving its unique identity and addressing the needs of its residents.