Decision date set for bungalow development on Hartlepool's former Inspirations Garden Centre site

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department in 2020 to carry out the work at the former Inspirations Garden Centre in Tanfield Road.

The plans from North Star Housing Development state they want to demolish the building and the remaining greenhouses at the site and create 17 two bedroom bungalows, including two which will be wheelchair accessible.

The development would also look to provide an improved access road and car parking spaces to serve the bungalows.

A decision is to be made on the proposals at the council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, January 13, and ahead of the meeting officers have recommended plans are approved.

This is despite eight objections being submitted by residents raising concerns it could lead to parking issues in the area.

One Tanfield Road resident said: “People in Tanfield Road are fed up.

“What used to be a quiet area has turned into a very busy road and it won’t take anymore traffic.”

However a report from senior council planning officer Jane Tindall noted the applicant has taken steps to address initial parking concerns, while it is not expected car ownership would be high among bungalow residents.

She said: “The applicant has sought to address initial concerns through the submission of amended plans and information.

“It is anticipated that these properties would attract families with low car ownership which will help reduce the amount of trips further.

“The application is considered to be acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations and is considered to be in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018.”

A design and access statement from HMH Architects, on behalf of the applicant, states the bungalows would improve the housing offer in the area and provide an attractive development.

It said: “The proposed use would be complementary to the adjoining residential area and is located conveniently within a short distance of local amenities.

“The proposed scheme aims to tie in with the surrounding context whilst looking to improve the quality of the surrounding area and housing on offer.

“The number of units is appropriate to the size of the site and would achieve an open and attractive development.”

It comes after last year Hartlepool Borough Council Finance and Policy Committee unanimously approved plans to sell the land on Tanfield Road to a developer to provide bungalows in the town.

Speaking at the time, Denise McGuckin, who is now council managing director, said there is a demand for bungalows which would be supported by the site.

The site features the garden centre, which closed in 2018, and part of the car park operated by the council.

It has also been used as welfare facilities for the nearby Stranton Cemetery grave diggers.

A decision is to be made on the proposals at the planning committee meeting on Wednesday, starting at 9.30am.

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