Plans approved for 220 homes at controversial Elwick Road development in Hartlepool

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee approved proposals for a 220 home residential development off Elwick Road, after previously deferring making a decision to allow for a site visit.

The site subject to the plans from Barratt Homes North East lies to the west of Cairnston Road and to the south of Worset Lane.

An outline application for the development had already been given planning approval, with the latest proposals detailing the layout, scale and appearance of the site.

In total over 40 objections had been lodged against the plans raising concerns such as over-development, flooding issues, road safety and crime concerns.

A petition, signed by 111 residents, was also submitted over the proposed footpath included in the plans, which would enter Elwick Grove at the north end of Woodhouse Lane and connect to the proposed new housing site.

Speaking after the meeting, a representative from Barratt Homes, said they were pleased to get the go-ahead and added the development would provide many benefits to the area.

They said: “We are delighted that our planning application has been approved to develop this fantastic site off of Elwick Road, Hartlepool.

“The high-quality development has been carefully designed in-line with the Hartlepool Local Plan, and will offer a total of 220 well-designed two, three and four-bedroom homes, catering to both first-time buyers and growing families alike.”

The plans had been recommended for approval by council planning officers ahead of the meeting, and were passed by councillors, with six votes for and four votes against.

This was despite Lynn Gill, whose home overlooks the site, speaking to object to the plans on behalf of Elwick Grove residents.

She said: “These proposals if successful would we feel ruin our beautiful layout, compromise our safety and inhibit potential.

“These 220 homes accessed by a 40 year old road system we believe would become highly dangerous, dramatically increasing road congestion.

“Many of my neighbours, most with young or adolescent families, feel that they are finally realising aspirations by living in a close knit community in a safe semi-rural environment.

“What kind of message does it give out on achieving aspirations that they can be so easily crushed?

“We are the fearful, afraid not only of increased criminality and intrusion into our current development, but also the dangers that a linkage footpath would present.”

Council officers ruled overall the plans would not cause crime or anti-social behaviour worries after consulting with police, and stated the footpath would have benefits to the area.

Barratt Homes representatives said the development would provide affordable housing along with significant contributions to support education, sport facilities and public open space.

They continued: “Incorporating a landscape theme throughout, the new development will offer attractive views across the coastline of Hartlepool through public open space and the alignment of streets, as well as the provision of 4.1ha of multi-function green infrastructure.

“This open space includes footpaths, cycleways and outdoor play areas, providing an attractive and useable open space for residents of the proposed development and the surrounding village of Elwick.

“Along with the provision of affordable homes on the site, Barratt Homes continue to support the communities in which it builds by making significant contributions of almost £3.5m to support education, sport facilities and public open space – including a £2.6m contribution to local highways.

“Barratt are also delighted to be protecting and preserving the local wildlife, with 3.3ha of natural green space on site, alongside a £55,000 contribution towards ecological mitigation.”