Decision date set over shed row at Hartlepool retirement village

Plans were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council last year to vary certain conditions imposed on the previously approved development for 14 homes at Meadowcroft Mews.

The changes to the plans, from Mr and Mrs S Cockrill, include allowing sheds to be installed in the gardens of the homes and 1.8metre privacy screens/fencing panels between properties.

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

A decision was initially scheduled to be made at a meeting in September, however this was delayed to allow a site visit, and details have now been outlined to carry this out virtually due to Covid-19.

The proposals will now go before the council planning committee on Wednesday, however officers are recommending the plans are refused, arguing they would harm the Park Conservation Area where the development is located.

However four Meadowcroft Mews residents have 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.

Nevertheless a report from senior council planning officer Ryan Cowley said the applicant has provided ‘no evidence to demonstrate public benefit would outweigh this harm’.

He said: “The council’s heritage and countryside manager has advised that the introduction of privacy panels would reduce the openness of this part of the conservation area.

“The introduction of further buildings in the form of sheds would provide further built development in this area, and contribute to the gradual erosion of open space within the conservation area.

“It is considered on balance that the proposals are unacceptable due to the adverse impact on the identified heritage assets, and in particular would cause (less than substantial) harm to the significance of the Park Conservation Area.”

In his report he adds the council had contacted the applicant in an attempt to reduce the size of the sheds to provide smaller storage units, but no amendments were made.

A design and access statement from GAP Design on behalf of the applicant previously stated the development as approved is ‘90% complete’ and some sheds have already been erected as they are needed at the site.

It said: “It has proven to be that retirement units are attracting residents who wish to tend their own small garden areas.

“The development of the site is almost complete and sheds have already been erected in violation to the condition.

“We consider the imposing of such a condition to be invalid for the rights of individuals to tend their own gardens and have means of storage of tools to carry out such activities.”

A decision will be made on the proposals by the council planning committee on Wednesday, December 2, from 9.30am.

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