Bellway and Cecil M Yuill unveil plans for 220 new homes on Hartlepool site
Plans for more than 200 new houses in Hartlepool that developers say are needed to meet demand went on display to the public.
A total of 220 homes are planned to be built on a field off Catcote Road and Summerhill Lane by house builders Bellway and Cecil M Yuill.
The Southbrook Farm development is proposed to comprise a mix of two to five-bedroom homes, of which about 40 (18%) would be affordable.
Details of the scheme went on show to the public at Ward Jackson Park as part of a consultation exercise by the developers.
John Wyatt, planning consultant for the applicant, said: “There’s a shortage of housing across the UK. Central government requirements are for 300,000 a year.
“They are still needed in Hartlepool. This is a sustainable site, it’s well placed for the town centre and services and facilities.
“We will make sure the right development goes on there, including a full suitability assessment we are doing in support of the application to make sure it’s acceptable in planning terms.”
Information boards at the consultation event stated the proposed layout seeks to create “an outward looking development” with small parcels of housing connected by a range of highways, private drives and footpaths “enabling easy navigation around the site”.
Existing hedgerows and tree belts would be kept and a large area of open space is proposed to the north of the site including a children’s play park and pond.
Primary access is set to be provided from a new access road off Catcote Road.
Mr Wyatt said the public feedback will help them to develop the scheme as plans are finalised.
“The reason for the consultation is to get people’s views,” he said. “We will run through each set of comments and sit down and review the plan as it stands.”
The developers state as well as providing “much-needed new housing for Hartlepool” the development would provide financial contributions towards highways works in the town, schools, NHS services, playing pitches, bowling greens and tennis courts.
They also say it will generate jobs in developing the site, including in the supply chain, and result in increased local spending.
A full planning application is hoped to be submitted by the end of September.
People can comment by emailing: [email protected]