Controversial advertising boards approved for Hartlepool housing development, despite 'eyesore' concerns

Proposals have been unanimously approved by Hartlepool Borough Council planning committee for two new advertising signs to be put up, one in Reedston Road and one in Cairnston Road.

The signs will be promoting the new Quarry Farm 2 housing development approved last year, known as Elwick Gardens, which will feature 220 properties to the west of Cairnston Road.

Submitted by Barratt Homes North East, proposals were initially for eight signs across Reedston Road, Cairnston Road and Tarnston Road, however concerns were raised by council officers and residents over the plans.

The scheme was therefore revised to provide just two advertisement signs, one in Reedston Road and one in Cairnston Road, at the junction with Elwick Road.

Both signs are to be approximately 4.1metres tall and 1.9metres wide.

The proposals were passed by councillors despite nine objections being submitted to the plans from residents, including concerns being raised over the visual appearance of the signs.

A Hillston Close resident said: “I object on the grounds that these signs will be distracting to motorists and pedestrians leading to accidents.

“Especially as Cairnston Road is already a busy thoroughfare and on a main route to both High Tunstall, English Martyrs and West Park schools.”

Concerns were also raised from several residents in Reedston Road, who objected to the appearance of the signs, which they said they will be able to see from their windows.

One Reedston Road resident’s statement said: “I object to the size of the boards in Reedston Road and the position of them.

“I object most strongly about these eyesores as a constant reminder, they will be a blight on the landscape.”

However Ryan Cowley, senior council planning officer, told councillors following the applicant revising the scheme to only feature two signs, they had no issues with the scheme.

He said: “Whilst concerns were initially raised by officers due to the number of signs proposed, the applicant has since reduced the number of signs significantly, which is considered overcomes these concerns.

“It is not considered that the two remaining signs proposed would have a significant detrimental visual impact.”

He also added the signs are considered to be of ‘sufficient distance’ and ‘sufficiently screened’ from properties in the area.

The plans were therefore recommended for approval by officers, which councillors voted in favour of.

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