'High-quality' housing development approved for Hart Village

A reserved matters application from Kane Architectural Ltd in 2019 stated the company wanted to build 15 homes on land to the rear of Milbank Close in Hart Village.

Outline approval had already been granted for the development from council planning bosses in 2015, with the new application detailing more information on what the homes would be like and the layout of the site.

The plans have now been approved by council planning officers and work is already underway developing the site.

A report from senior council planning officer Ryan Cowley states the plans are in line with council requirements and approved the proposals.

He said: “It is noted that the layout of the site is largely in line with that approved at outline application stage.

“There is not a prevalent style of domestic architecture in the village and the periphery of the village is characterised by both late 20th century and more recent, contemporary housing developments.

“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.”

Prior to approval, a design and access statement submitted on behalf of the applicant stated the plans aim to provide high quality homes in keeping with the area.

It said: “The proposed development has been designed to accommodate high-quality residential units.

“The use of the site for residential use would enhance and contribute to the existing domestic residential area by providing high quality accommodation close to a central location.

“The owners have thought imaginatively about the layout, which has made for a more efficient use of the land without compromising the quality of the living environment.”

The site is located off an existing adoptable highway (former Hart to Hartlepool link road), but now only serves to access The Fens, which sits to the east of the development site.

Vehicle and pedestrian access to the new residential development would be gained via the creation of a new access point adjoining the adopted highway.

Initially Hart Parish Council had raised concerns about the application in regards to potential habitat loss, but dropped concerns after receiving reassurances following further talks with developers.