Controversial Hartlepool sheds and fencing plan approved after councillors go against advice

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee voted in favour of varying certain conditions imposed on the previously approved development for 14 homes at Meadowcroft Mews.

The alterations, from applicants Stephen and Julie Cockrill, will allow sheds to be installed in the gardens of the homes and 1.8metre privacy screens/fencing panels between properties, with some of the work already completed.

The residential estate off Elwick Road is a retirement village, providing ‘much-needed’ accommodation for over 50s.

Council planning officers ahead of the meeting recommended the plans were refused, arguing they would harm the Park Conservation Area where the development is located.

However Julie Cockrill argued there are no garages at the site, and therefore residents need suitable storage facilities for items such as garden equipment, adding the plans do not harm the ‘beautiful’ woodland setting.

She said: “The only objection to the variation of the conditions is from the heritage and countryside manager who suggests small storage for tools and pots.

“However this is not adequate storage for bicycles, lawnmowers, patio furniture and all general garden equipment.

“Meadowcroft Mews is an outstanding development and the inclusion of outdoor storage and privacy screening does not detract from the beautiful woodland setting of this site.”

The majority of councillors on the committee voiced their support for the plans, adding the sheds would benefit residents.

Cllr Paddy Brown said: “There is a security issue here for people’s property and I can’t for the life of me see the problem of having a garden shed in a garden, that’s the exact place for them.”

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher said the sheds were a ‘reasonable step by the developer’ and did not see any harm in the variations.

Cllr Brenda Loynes added: “I can’t see any problem with having a shed in your garden for your garden equipment, bicycles, anything like that.

“I believe that a garden shed should be in the garden for security reasons for the equipment that’s going to be stored.”

Ahead of the meeting four Meadowcroft Mews residents submitted letters calling for the development to be approved, arguing it is ‘essential to their security and welfare’ and offers a place to store items such as garden equipment and bikes.

Cllr Marjorie James was the only member of the committee to vote against the plans, stating while she had no issues with the sheds, she had concerns over the fencing.

She said: “I actually think that the fencing that has been put up makes it look more like a shanty town or a set of allotments, which is not in keeping with the aspects of the development at all.”

A decision was initially scheduled to be made on the plans at a meeting in September, however this was delayed to allow for a site visit, which was carried out virtually prior to Wednesday’s meeting due to Covid-19.

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