Plans to build hundreds of new homes are set to move a step closer despite encountering opposition.

Proposals were originally submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department five years ago to provide 475 properties on 23.5 hectares of agricultural land to the north of Elwick Road and south of Worset Lane.

The outline application, from Hartlepool-based Cecil M Yuill, states the scheme would be the third phase of the Quarry Farm housing development.

It also includes a local centre comprising 400sqm of retail to the south of the site and areas of open space.

Hartlepool-based Cecil M Yuill Ltd, has applied for outline planning permission for the construction of 475 high quality new homes to the west of Hartlepool. Here is an artist's impression of how some of the homes will look.

placeholder image — Hartlepool-based Cecil M Yuill Ltd, has applied for outline planning permission for the construction of 475 high quality new homes to the west of Hartlepool. Here is an artist's impression of how some of the homes will look.

Yet 24 objections have been submitted to the council from residents raising concerns over the proposals.

Worries have been voiced around “inadequate” road infrastructure, congestion, noise and traffic, impact on countryside, trees, fields and wildlife as well as the lack of demand for the properties.

The application is therefore due to go before the council’s planning committee when it meets on Wednesday, February 18, with a report from officers recommending the proposals are approved.

The report states: “It is anticipated that a scale of development could come forward that would achieve a satisfactory form that would not adversely impact upon the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

Derelict Hartlepool building is finally set to be demolished and the site transf...

“It is further considered that the proposal would not result in significant adverse impacts on the amenity or privacy of neighbouring land users or future occupiers of the proposed dwellings.”

The approval would be subject to the completion of a section 106 legal agreement securing more than £8million from the developer to mitigate the impacts of the scheme.

This includes more than £5million towards highway infrastructure, more than £1.4million for primary school provision and just under £1million for secondary education.

It would also ensure 7% of the properties provided are classed affordable homes.

Plans show a proposed new vehicular entrance into the site would be taken from Elwick Road.

The scheme would include two distinct parcels of residential development separated by an existing “local wildlife site” which would be retained and “enhanced” by the application.

Each section would feature a village green and a children’s play area.

A statement from JW Planning said the development “will reap significant direct economic benefits for the town and its residents”.

It adds: “The development will create both direct and indirect employment and training opportunities for the local population.

“In addition, the introduction of additional population in this location will generate significant increased levels of expenditure in the town

“The proposed development will also provide a mix of high quality 2, 3 and 4 bedroomed houses, including a proportion of bungalows, in a high-quality landscaped setting which will meet the needs of present and future generations.”