PLANS for 77 homes on the former Del Monte site in Skelton were given the go-ahead - despite councillors’ fears that residents will have to cross the A19 without a signalled pedestrian crossing.

Barratt and David Wilson Homes has applied for planning permission for the development.

But chair of Skelton Parish Council Keith Hayton said without a signalled crossing installed across the A19 so children and families can reach the existing village, the plans are a “death trap” and “really very dangerous.”

Cllr Chris Steward added that the current plans will force the new residents to drive instead of walking and that there is a risk of turning Skelton into two villages.

But members of the planning committee heard that planning permission had already been granted for the access to the site, so they could not impose a condition asking for a signalled crossing. And officers said the number of houses in the development does not meet the legal criteria for installing a crossing. But the speed limit will be lowered to 40mph.

Cllr Ian Gillies said: “We are helpless to do anything about it which I find very, very frustrating. This is a major trunk road.”

The plans were approved by a majority vote.