Developers win appeal over Hartlepool A179 electric charging forecourt and solar farm plans
Plans for a new electric forecourt and solar farm off the A179 have been approved on appeal after councillors previously rejected the application.
In March Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee refused proposals for the development on agricultural land at Whelly Hill Farm, stretching from Worset Lane to the traffic lights on the A179, which lead onto the A19.
The application from Gridserve was fora solar electric forecourt with a kiosk hosting a shop along with 42 electric vehicle charging points for cars, three for HGVs and 15 non-charging spaces.
It included a solar farm comprising up to 72,176 panels which would “generate up to 33,900MWh of power each year, equivalent to the annual electrical requirements of approximately 10,300 average homes”.
The proposals also featured 24 battery energy storage containers, ancillary buildings and the creation of a new access road from the A179.
The application was unanimously rejected by councillors after they raised concerns over highway safety and the increased congestion the development would cause.
This was despite council planning officers recommending the application for approval.
An appeal was subsequently lodged over the refusal by the applicant, meaning it fell to the national Planning Inspectorate to make a final ruling.
The latest meeting of the council’s planning committee heard the appeal had been allowed and permission was therefore granted for the scheme.
A report from the Secretary of State-appointed inspector ruled the proposed development “would cause no adverse impact to highway safety or congestion”.
Councillor Moss Boddy, the chair of the planning committee, said: “I think it’s fair to say many of us were a) surprised and b) disappointed.
"But it is what it is and the inspector has come to a different conclusion.”
Fifteen objections had been submitted by residents over the initial application, raising concerns over the “industrial” nature of the plans, the cumulative visual impact of solar panels and potential traffic issues, with Hart Parish Council also voicing worries.
Emma Harding, from Gridserve, previously argued the site would “provide a number of benefits for Hartlepool” including job creation, “sustainable” business growth, supporting climate goals and encouraging electric vehicle use.
Earlier this year a petition was launched calling for major highway improvements to the A179, including a 40mph speed limit.
For details of local planning notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/ .