Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick may be asked to decide on controversial Greatham development

More than 40 objections have been lodged to proposals submitted earlier this year by Hartlepool Borough Council for land at Hill View in Greatham.

Concerns include the homes could have a detrimental impact on highway and pedestrian safety, cause a loss of open space, and there is no need for more houses in the area.

All 18 properties would be owned and managed by the council through the choice-based lettings system, and the site would consist of 100% affordable rent properties.

The plans will go before a remote meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee on Wednesday from 9.30am, and planning officers have recommended the plans are approved by councillors.

However a council planning report ahead of the meeting notes a request has been made for the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, currently Robert Jenrick, to ‘call in’ the application if councillors approve it, which means the local authority would no longer make the final decision.

This normally only happens if the application conflicts with national policy in important ways, or is “nationally significant”.

Following the committee meeting the planning casework unit will be informed, on behalf of the Secretary of State, and the council will have to await the outcome of talks to see if it will be called in.

Those objecting to the plans include Hartlepool Rural Neighbourhood Plan Group, Greatham Parish Council, Elwick Parish Council and Hartlepool Civic Society.

An objection submitted by Greatham Residents’ Association said they were ‘almost universally opposed’ to the plans.

They also raised concerns of the additional impact of the homes due to 36 new properties already being under construction on Station Road in the village.

It said: “If both go ahead it would result in a 15% increase in the village population. The proposal does not assess the impact of this on local infrastructure.

“The loss of green space and replacement by an unsuitable public space is contrary to the rural plan and therefore unacceptable.

“A housing needs survey was conducted as part of the rural plan consultation process. The least demand is for rent or rent to buy properties.

“The Hill View proposal is rent only. This runs completely counter to the agreed long-term plan for the village.

“The Hill View development as proposed, in conjunction with the current Station Road development, present a significant road safety danger for local residents which we consider unacceptable.”

Documents from planning agent Gus Robinson Developments Ltd, acting on behalf of the council, state the proposals are ‘a great opportunity’ to develop the Hill View site.

The 18 homes would be made up of two two bedroom properties, 10 three bed sites, two four bed houses and four bungalows.

A planning statement said: “The site represents a highly sustainable location for residential development which makes the most efficient use of land and complies with current national planning policy to provide affordable housing and bungalows for which there is an identified need.

“There will be no detrimental impacts upon the amenity of neighbouring properties or the character of the area in general.”

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