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Play park anger
DOZENS of angry residents have objected to plans to create a new park complete with children's play areas next to a retirement village.
Developers have submitted an application to council planners to build the "neighbourhood park" on land next to Hartfields Retirement Village, in Hartlepool.
Members of the Hartfields Residents' Association, who have concerns about the park attracting anti-social behaviour, claim they only learned about the plans through the Mail.
But construction firm Leebell Developments say the land has always been allocated for a park under the Middle Warren master plan.
The park includes proposals for a multi-use games area, and two children's play areas with play equipment.
Other plans include a bandstand, footpaths, hard and soft landscaping and furniture.
After the association contacted the council, letters were sent to residents who held an emergency meeting.
Out of the 78 residents that attended, 65 said they wanted the plans delayed and 10 objected to it altogether.
On top of that, more than 100 people have signed a petition against the proposals.
A spokesman for the residents' association said: "A lot of people here are against it because it is right outside our front entrance.
"We have got residents in here between the ages of 60 and 94, some of which are very ill."
In total, council planners received 22 letters of no objection and 41 letters of objection to the plans.
Other concerns include a lack of security and lighting.
The spokesman added that they already suffer anti-social behaviour from youths riding mini motorbikes in the area.
He said: "We all came here for peace and quiet.
"We are asking them to relocate it. That is the main thing.
"They said there was going to be a park built up there but they didn't say it was going to be right outside the door and no plans were given to anybody.
"People were thinking of a park with paths, seats to sit on and a few trees.
"It wasn't envisaged there was going to be a play park."
Leebell Developments, which is owned by Bellway Homes and Persimmon Homes, have submitted the proposals to council planners.
Graham Medcalfe, senior land manager for Leebell Developments, said: "In 1997, the council granted outline planning permission for the Middle Warren development which requires us to provide a neighbourhood park.
"These plans have not changed and we are simply trying to adhere to the planning permission.
"The Middle Warren development has reached the stage over the past two or three years where it is now time to progress with the plans."
The planning committee is due to meet on Wednesday, May 19, at the Civic Centre, at 10am.
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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