81-bungalow development set for approval on former Hartlepool school site at Brierton Lane

Local housing provider the Thirteen Group last year submitted plans to Hartlepool Borough Council for 81 bungalows on part of the former Brierton school site on Brierton Lane.

Plans state all of the bungalows, 71 being two bedroom and 10 being three bedroom, will be affordable and will be aimed at people aged over 55 and those with care needs.

A decision is due to be made on the plans at the council planning committee meeting on Tuesday, January 21, with council planning officers recommending the proposals are approved.

A report from senior planning officer Ryan Cowley said: “The application is considered to be acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations and is considered to be in general conformity with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan.”

There would also be 138 car parking spaces and 12 disability spaces created by the proposals.

To date two objections have been received from residents raising concerns over congestion, a loss of view, a detrimental impact on the look of the site and a potential rise in dog fouling.

Planning consultants Lichfields, acting on behalf of Thirteen, say there is a need for bungalows in the town.

A planning statement said: “A mix of 2-bed and 3-bed bungalows are proposed to create an accessible residential area that is specifically aimed at providing homes for the over-55s and those with medical care needs.

“This will be a sustainable development, providing affordable dwellings on brownfield land within the existing residential context of Hartlepool.

“The proposals will meet a recognised housing need in the local area and would also diversify the provision for older people in the Borough.”

Councillors on the Finance and Policy Committee last year approved the sale of land, located to the the western part of the site on Brierton Lane and extending approximately 7.87acres, which had been surplus and identified by the council for residential development.

Council chiefs at that meeting said the proposed development would provide a ‘significant increase’ in affordable housing for the elderly in the area and offer ‘quality bungalows’ in the town.

A decision will be made on the plans at the planning committee meeting at the Civic Centre at 10am on Tuesday January 21.