Dalton Piercy village green improvements approved - this is what to expect

Proposals were submitted in 2019 to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department by Dalton Piercy Parish Council to improve the village green area.

The plans have now been approved, and will include picnic tables, benches, a village notice board and low-level security fencing.

A children’s play area was originally included but later omitted due to highway and pedestrian safety concerns.

The plans also gained retrospective permission for five parking bays located in front of North View in the village, on land which used to be a grass verge.

A report from council planning officer Jane Tindall confirmed the plans have been given the green light.

It said: “The proposed measures are considered to enhance the green space and are considered to be in keeping with street furniture that can be found within villages.

“It is considered that the proposal would not have a significant detrimental impact on the amenity or privacy of neighbouring properties or land users.”

A planning statement, submitted by Hedley Planning Services on behalf of Dalton Piercy Parish Council, stated the plans would benefit the village and its residents.

It said: “The proposed development for the site includes improvements to the village green which would provide community benefits to the local residents of Dalton Piercy.

“With regard to the proposed improvements to the village green it is considered that they would provide an important improvement within the village making this space usable and safer for residents.”

In regards to the planning request to keep the five parking spaces on the former grass verge off North View, the plans state it would help resolve parking issues and utilise only a small element of the open space.

Eight letters of support were received in favour of the plans, compared to just two against, however the objections mainly related to concerns over safety linked to the play area, which was removed from the plans.

Supporters welcomed the inclusion of seating within the village, labelling it a ‘great benefit’, and noted the parking bays will further enhance the village.