Luxury treehouses and cabins approved near Hurworth Burn Reservoir on outskirts of Hartlepool

Proposals were submitted earlier this year for the development featuring four holiday lodges near Hurworth Burn Reservoir and the River Skerne, and have now been given the go-ahead by council planning officers.

The site, located on farmland to the north of Red Hurworth Farm, will feature two cabins and two bespoke treehouses for guests to stay at.

A timber reception building is also to be built as part of the plans, which were submitted by Mr and Mrs Carter from Harrogate, with ELG Planning acting as the agent for the proposals.

The proposals were submitted to Durham County Council, and also Hartlepool Borough Council for feedback, ahead of the decision being made.

A report from Durham County Council case officer Leigh Dalby confirmed the proposals had been approved, adding they would meet a need within the area and provide an ‘economical uplift within the region.’

He said: “The proposed development is considered acceptable in principle as it will provide a high quality tourist development that will not have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area, highway safety, or ecological issues.”

A planning statement from ELG Planning previously detailed how the development would provide a boost to the area and aid the tourism industry post Covid-19.

It said: “The proposed development will result in the creation of a small scale, high end luxury tourist accommodation facility, which will bring significant tourist and rural economic benefits to the local and wider area as a result.

“There is clear demand for additional high quality tourist accommodation, particularly with regards to lodges.

“It is considered that developments such as this will help attract visitors to the area who will visit the nearby villages and spend in local restaurants, cafes, bars, public houses and other attractions thereby supporting the local economy.”

Access to the site, which is three miles east of Trimdon and 2.5 miles south of Wingate, would be gained via a new unsurfaced track, which would split from the existing access track that serves Red Hurworth Farm.

The two treehouses would offer panoramic views of the River Skerne and reservoir beyond, while the two lodges would be located to the north of the site and each accommodate two people.

A comprehensive scheme of tree planting is also proposed within the vicinity of the treehouses.

The land for the development is near to where last year multi-million pound plans for a caravan site, holiday lodges and leisure hub were rejected over fears wildlife could be put at risk.

This included a bid for 81 caravan pitches, 26 log cabins and a restaurant along a stretch of the reservoir.

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