How new homes for Hartlepool will serve both birds and people

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee unanimously approved proposals from AWG Land Holdings for four detached new houses to be built along Brougham Terrace.

Plans also include a single-storey extension to the existing bungalow at the site and the erection of a new detached double garage.

And the council’s ecologist has recommended five sparrow nesting boxes are installed at the site to deliver biodiversity enhancement.

However ahead of the committee meeting three objections had been submitted to the plans from residents, raising concerns such as an increase in traffic and loss of privacy.

At the meeting, Angus Hutchinson, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the proposals would benefit the area.

He said: “The proposal involves the redevelopment of land in a sustainable location.

“The proposed dwellings are of a similar density, scale, height and massing to the surrounding residential units.

“The scheme is such that it will make a positive contribution to the character of the area.

“In conclusion, the proposal will lead to economic, social and environmental benefits in accordance with the framework and in compliance with the policies of the local plan.”

The area the homes will be built on is currently vacant grassland and shrubbery, which is largely overgrown in places.

The development would also create 15 new car parking spaces at the site.

Although no objectors spoke at the remote planning committee meeting against the plans, three responses were submitted to councillors prior to this from residents.

A resident from nearby Lancaster Court said: “It’s already extremely dangerous down Brougham Terrace with the roads.

“The pollution level during the summer has been very messy with lots of dust. I believe it to be dangerous to the general public’s health.

“I believe that should this development go ahead it will be a nuisance to the area. It is already overcrowded and more buildings will affect the area and value of property.”

However ahead of the meeting council planning officers recommended the development for approval, adding they had no objections from technical consultancies, such as traffic and transport bosses, to the plans.

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