Plans for 18 affordable homes in Hartlepool - designed to blend in with Greatham's existing buildings

The proposals have been submitted by Hartlepool Borough Council for land at Hill View in Greatham, and all 18 properties would be owned and managed by the council through the choice-based lettings system.

The 18 homes would be made up of two two bedroom properties, 10 three-bed sites, two four-bed houses and four bungalows, and the site would consist of 100% affordable rent properties.

They will also each come with gardens and sufficient off road parking.

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.

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.

“The site is highly sustainable with facilities and services, including public transport links, within walking distance of the site to avoid reliance on private car and support sustainable alternatives.

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

The proposed development would also include the improvement of adjacent open space and play facilities which are in the ownership of the applicant to mitigate against any loss to facilitate development.

The planning statement also details how the move would have economic benefits to the area.

It said: “The proposed development will provide affordable rented homes which will be owned and managed by the local authority to provide an alternative to private rented accommodation.

“The provision of the new home will result in job creation and inward investment.

“The development will maintain or provide additional construction jobs.”

It is also intended the proposed new homes would use traditional materials similar to those used for other buildings in the village.

To comment on the application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2019/0527.

A decision is due to be made on the plans by the council planning department in March.