Plans for 18 new council homes in Greatham refused after 41 objections to the proposal

The proposals went before Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee, who had carried out a virtual site visit ahead of discussing the proposals for the land at Hill View in Greatham.

As part of the plans, submitted by Hartlepool Borough Council, all 18 properties would be owned and managed by the local authority through the choice-based lettings system.

The site would consist of 100% affordable rent properties.

In total 41 objections had been received by the council to the plans including concerns the homes could have a detrimental impact on highway and pedestrian safety in the area, increased density of properties, and the lack of the need for the homes.

Council planning officers had recommended the proposals were approved ahead of the meeting, but councillors voted by four votes to three to refuse them.

Trish Stephenson, on behalf of residents in the area, raised numerous concerns, including how she feels residents have not been listened to by the council, who was the applicant behind the plans.

She said: “We are not against development within Greatham.

“The existing residents and taxpayers’ concerns have been dismissed at every turn.

“The applicant is yourself, Hartlepool Borough Council. This is a situation where you are applying to yourself. This application is a question being asked between two internal departments of the council.

“It saddens us that an underhand approach is preferred to an inclusive, working with neighbourhoods and communities approach.

“It is taking away the valuable green area that contributes to our community cohesion, our health and wellbeing.”

Chair of the committee Cllr Mike Young, said proper statutory public consultation had taken place while council planning officers said they went ‘above and beyond’ in terms of consultation, with 82 neighbour letters, two site notices and a press notice issued.

Those objecting to the plans included Hartlepool Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group, Greatham Parish Council, Elwick Parish Council and Hartlepool Civic Society.

Tim Wynn, speaking on behalf of the council department behind the plans, said the proposals would have provided affordable housing for people in the area.

He said: “These units are to be held long term by the council so the present and future affordable housing requirements are met.

“The units are needed and needed in this particular mix as shown by our own evidence in the council strategic housing market assessment.

“The supposed concerns as to highway matters and the local road network capacity are not shared by highways officers, nor is the view there is insufficient capacity at the local schools.”

The 18 homes would have included two two bedroom properties, 10 three bed, two four bed houses and four bungalows.

Councillors confirmed the official reason for refusing the proposals was the ‘development would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area by reason of the high density of the development’.

The council had previously been notified a request had been made to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ‘call in’ the application if councillors approved it.

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