Concerns raised over plans for cluster of homes on outskirts of Hartlepool

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to demolish the existing property at Mayfield House in Dalton Piercy Road, and build five new homes.

The outline application from Euro Property Management Ltd states the development would provide one six bedroom and four new five bedroom sites in Dalton Piercy, each with a double garage and at least two further parking spaces.

However concerns have been raised to the housing plans from both Dalton Piercy Parish Council and the Hartlepool Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group, who both ‘strongly object’ to the development.

The response from the parish council notes the plans could contribute to the loss of the ‘rural gap’ between Hartlepool and surrounding villages, and warns the site is on a ‘blind bend’.

They said: “The application and change of land use is detrimental to the rural landscape and character of the area.

“There are no exceptional circumstances that warrant further development in this area.

“This development would have a negative impact, with increased traffic, on an already struggling rural road. Added pressure at this pinch point is unacceptable.”

However a planning statement from consultants Planning House, on behalf of the applicant, states the proposals would benefit the area.

It said: “The proposed development replaces an existing dwelling with five dwellings of a high quality design, which would make efficient use of previously developed land and would not compromise the rural landscape.

“The dwellings have been designed to ensure there will be no detrimental impacts upon the amenity of the character of the area in general.”

The statement notes the plans would help contribute to growing the housing supply in Hartlepool, which could be hit by the Covid-19 outbreak.

It continued: “Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, including socially distancing measures introduced, it is clear that the house building market will be significantly affected and that housing supply will dramatically fall.

“The proposed development represents a much needed addition to the housing supply.”

However a response from the Hartlepool Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group raised similar concerns to Dalton Piercy Parish Council, and added the use of Covid-19 in justifying the plans is ‘distasteful’.

They said: “The use of the Covid pandemic to justify divergence from development policy by this application is to be considered distasteful, opportunist and, one would sincerely trust, invalid.

“The Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group asks Hartlepool Borough Council to uphold the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan and protect the rural area from this unwelcome speculative development.”

A decision is expected to be made on the plans next month by the council planning department.

Planners will gather comments from a variety of bodies, as well as members of the public, before a decision is made

To view and comment on the planning application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0215.

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