Controversial plans to build dozens of new homes in a North Tyneside village have been given the green light, despite outrage from residents.
Bernicia's plans to build 32 homes at Castle Square in Backworth were approved by North Tyneside Council's planning committee, despite a deluge of objections.
The properties will be a mixture of two, three and four bedroom houses, two bedroom bungalows and two bedroom apartments.
Of this, 22 homes will be for "affordable" rent, while the remaining 10 will be available to buy under the shared ownership scheme.
But residents say no houses should be built on the site as it is used by the whole community and is the last green space for youngsters to play on.
In January, scores of angry families gathered on the field to protest against the plans.
Since then, 205 objections from 164 separate addresses have been submitted to the authority.
Apart from the loss of the playing field they also raised fears about traffic, noise, dust and air pollution.
At Tuesday's meeting of the planning committee, a statement was read out on behalf of objector George Scott.
It said: "This development will result in drastically reduced community space. It is a safe place for children to play, ride bikes and fly kites.
"It has not been demonstrated the site no longer has any value to the community in terms of access and function.
"This site is meeting the shortfall in provision of green space, it is the only green space in the area and it is being reduced in size.
"We ask that you reject this planning application due to none compliance with numerous local and national planning policies. Please save our open, shared green space."
A statement read on behalf of ward councillor Brian Burdis echoed this.
He said: "The area is in question is a grassed field, a play area much used by local residents especially the children.
"It is safe and open. It is used for football and other ball games along side the general play of children.
"Parents feel their children are safe using the field as they can be seen while they play.
"It is also used by families and the local residents' community groups for picnics, community fun days and fundraising events, dog walkers also use the playing field to exercise their dogs.
"The field is also the only remaining grassed green play area in Valley ward. A development on the site will take this away.
"The reduced play area proposed in the report is next to a busy road, this will put children in danger that alone should give a planning committee some cause for concern; children pushed to the roadside."
But, representing the developer, Cundall Planning Consultants said in a statement that the majority of the homes would be built on land already earmarked for housing.
It said: "This scheme will provide 100% affordable housing, as well as bio-diversity net gain and the opportunity to provide sports provision in the area.
"The site is in a well established residential area, on previously developed land and offers an opportunity not only to provide housing for those in need now but to provide a sustainable place to live for years to come.
"The scheme will contribute to North Tyneside's affordable housing supply and it was evidenced that there is need for this type of accommodation in the area as a number of enquiries for the properties were made by local people following the public consultation.
"The existing children's play facility will not be moved as a result of the development."
Coun Muriel Green said that while the scheme provided "desperately" needed affordable housing she would vote against it.
She said: "We desperately need affordable housing, and every time we get an application like this we have to consider a lot of things.
"I somehow feel that maybe we're being pushed into this area where we may not have given planning permission to ordinary houses just because it is affordable housing and that does sadden me.
"I am desperately against loss of open space, and had it been normal housing I would say it was not acceptable.
"In this case, because there is a huge number of objections, I'm going to say no this application on the grounds of open space."
Despite this the committee voted to approve the proposals by six votes to two.
Coun Paul Richardson said: "Here's a proposal that has been worked through by developers and officers and between them they have come up with something that works."
