New homes approved for Hartlepool hidden historic Victorian site previously only for 'privileged few’

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee backed plans to create a new detached bungalow, complete with a new access point, at Meadowcroft, off Elwick Road.

The application site forms part of the formal gardens to the front of an existing Victorian villa, and plans also include the demolition of a stable block.

Meadowcroft, together with its adjoining neighbour Meadowside, is a Grade II-listed building, located in the Park Conservation Area.

Council planning officers had recommended the plans, submitted by Stephen and Julie Cockrill, were refused due to the proposal resulting in the ‘loss of one of few original remaining garden areas’ in the conservation area.

They added it would have a ‘detrimental impact on both the setting of the listed building and the character of the conservation area’.

However councillors voted to approve the plans by majority vote, with many praising how the development would combine both historic and modern architecture.

Mr Cockrill had noted the area has already benefited from the successful Meadowcroft Mews retirement village development.

He added the latest application would provide a ‘contemporary high spec single story property on the original footprint of a Victorian conservatory and the kitchen garden’.

Speaking to the committee, he said: “For 130 years Meadowcroft and its grounds were hidden behind a 12ft wall for the exclusive enjoyment of a privileged few.

“Unfortunately large Victorian properties built for the ship owners and industrialists are no longer feasible in the current age and this new dwelling will not impede on the original listed building.

“It will be a fine example for future generations to compare 19th century architecture with 21st century architecture.

“The original listed building Meadowcroft will still retain its original historical significance as a large Victorian villa which will be set within substantial grounds of approximately two acres.”

Cllr Jim Lindridge said the development would showcase the area which has been ‘hidden away’ for many years.

He said: “I feel as if Meadowcroft has been hidden away for many years, and there might have been a privileged few that have been able to see behind the grounds.

“It’s important developers, like Mr Cockrill, have the foresight to contrast the old with the new.”

Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher added the design was ‘quite exciting’ and compared it to work which has seen the former post office in Whitby Street converted into The BIS.

He said: “We’ve seen recently in Hartlepool old buildings getting used with a modern touch, which has actually won national awards.

“I think in the future it will be quite an exciting building and I do think it will bring positive recognition from it.”

However Cllr Marjorie James voted against the proposals, stating the cumulative impact of developments at the site are ‘detrimental’ for that area.

She said: “I’m having some difficulty because of the accumulative effect of planning applications all at one site.

“I just find it quite contrary that we’re doing this piecemeal because each planning application on its own looks to be okay, but I actually think the impact of the accumulative development of this site is detrimental.”

It came after at the same meeting plans were also approved from applicant Mr and Mrs L Gate for a new twostorey detached house at the Grade II-listed Meadowcroft site.

Those proposals had also been recommended for refusal by council planning officers due to claims it would result in ‘permanent loss of garden areas’ and be detrimental to the conservation area and the listed building.

However Cllr Brenda Loynes and Cllr Stephen Akers-Belcher both said they did not think the property would have a negative impact on the site, and the design would actually enhance the area.

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