Decision due on 162-home development off Elwick Road in Hartlepool

Proposals were submitted earlier this year to Hartlepool Borough Council by Story Homes to develop the site on land to the south of Elwick Road.

The reserved matters application proposes details of the layout, scale and appearance of the planned new housing development.

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It comes after an outline planning application was previously approved last year looking to build 1,200 homes across land to the south of Elwick Road.

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee will discuss the plans at its meeting on Wednesday, November 4, and council officers have recommended proposals are approved.

Ahead of the meeting eight objections have been submitted by residents, raising concerns such as increased traffic, overdevelopment and the loss of agricultural and green belt land.

Concerns have also been raised by the Hartlepool Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group and Elwick Parish Council, over issues such as the lack of affordable housing and bungalows in the development, and the lack of progress being made on the proposed Elwick by-pass.

However a report from senior council planning officer Ryan Cowley states the development is acceptable and in line with planning policy.

He said: “The proposed house types are considered to be of good design, with a number of positive design elements that will distinguish the development from other housing developments in the borough.

“It is considered that the appearance and scale of the dwellings is not significantly out of keeping with those of the existing residential areas adjacent.

“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.”

The plans from Story Homes state they want to contribute 162 homes towards this site, including a range of three, four and five bedroom properties.

The site would be accessed via a new singular vehicle access point taken from Elwick Road, according to proposals.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicant states they will offer a high quality residential development which would benefit the town.

It said: “The proposed mix of 3,4 and 5 bed dwellings are consistent with Hartlepool Borough Council’s policy aspiration for delivering family and executive dwellings.

“The proposed layout will increase connectivity with surrounding communities and will be accessible to a wide range of services and facilities.

“The development will contribute to meeting the housing requirement in Hartlepool during the early period of the housing trajectory for the borough.”

Plans also noted the proposal will result in increased employment opportunities in the construction industry and will bring in additional council tax revenue for Hartlepool Borough Council.

The site is primarily agricultural land, extending from Elwick Road southwards, and covers an area of 10.94 hectares.

A decision will be made on the proposals at the council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, November 4, from 9.30am, streamed live via YouTube.

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