Decision due on 186 homes planned for Wynyard Park - this is what will be considered

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee is to meet on Wednesday, November 4, to discuss the proposals from Countryside Properties.

The development would offer a mix of builds to ‘reflect the need for quality, family housing’ in the area, according to the applicant.

When plans were initially submitted at the end of 2019 they stated 189 new homes would be provided, but proposals have since been amended to offer 186 properties.

Relevant bodies have been given the chance to comment on the plans, as well as members of the public.

Concerns have been submitted by Elwick Parish Council to the council planning officers over the proposed development.

They argue it would be overly dense, cause increased pressures on roads, driveways are not big enough and there is a lack of capacity within existing schools.

A report from Aidan Dobinson Booth, council principal planning officer, is recommending the plans are approved by councillors, subject to securing planning obligations from the developer.

He said: “This application seeks to develop an allocated housing site in the Local Plan for housing.

“The proposal would result in an acceptable layout and the proposal would not adversely affect the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

“The proposal would provide the necessary planning obligations to make the development acceptable in planning terms. It would therefore result in a sustainable development.”

As part of the plans the developer would have to provide around £559,000 towards primary education, £365,240 towards secondary education and £39,740 towards health facilities.

They would also need to contribute approximately £690,000 to highways work and £185,000 towards footways/cycleways.

A design and access statement previously submitted by the applicant states the homes would be beneficial for the area.

It said: “The development at Wynyard Park, will provide an attractive, high quality designed area to live.

“The scale and character of the proposals will ensure that the scheme will contribute to and enhance the immediate surrounding area.

“The careful consideration of the structure, massing, streetscape, landscaping and materials ensures that the development is in context with the adjacent area creating an attractive, distinctive and aspirational scheme.”

Access to the development would be taken from a roundabout junction at the Wynyard Park site, while a central area of public open space is also proposed as part of the plans.

The total site will take up around 16.9 acres and is currently vacant, with the land located just off the A689 Hartlepool.

Previously a masterplan had been developed to help shape the growth of Wynyard, but following the area being granted ‘Garden Village’ status by the Government earlier this year, the plans will be revised.

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

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