Plans for luxury cabins and treehouses on edge of Hartlepool near Hurworth Burn Reservoir

Proposals have been submitted for the development featuring four holiday lodges near Hurworth Burn Reservoir and the River Skerne.

The site, on farmland north of Red Hurworth Farm, would feature two cabins and two treehouses for guests, with a timber reception building.

The plans were submitted by Mr and Mrs Carter from Harrogate, with ELG Planning acting as agent.

A planning statement from ELG said the development would provide a boost to the area.

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.

“The proposed development will further support the vitality and viability of local businesses in the area, and will also result in the creation of jobs both directly and indirectly.”

The proposals have been submitted to Durham County Council, and also Hartlepool Borough Council for feedback ahead of a decision being made later this year.

ELG Planning, in their planning statement, also noted how the plans would help the area and industry recover from the impacts of Covid-19.

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

“Due to the recent Covid-19 circumstances, local leisure and tourism facilities have suffered.

“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 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.

A decision on the plans is expected to be made in September this year.

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