Why a planning row has broken out over sheds at a Hartlepool retirement village

Plans were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council in 209 to vary certain conditions imposed on the previously approved development for 14 homes at Meadowcroft Mews.

The changes to the plans, from Mr and Mrs S Cockrill, include allowing sheds to be installed in the gardens of the homes and 1.8metre privacy screens/fencing panels between properties.

The residential estate off Elwick Road is a retirement village, providing ‘much-needed’ accommodation for over 50s.

Four Meadowcroft Mews residents have also submitted letters of support backing the development, adding how it provides privacy, security and a place to store items such as garden equipment and bikes.

The proposals will go before the council planning committee on September 2, however officers are recommending the plans are refused, arguing they would harm the Park Conservation Area where the development is located.

A report from senior council planning officer Ryan Cowley said the applicant has provided ‘no evidence to demonstrate public benefit would outweigh this harm’.

It said: “The council’s heritage and countryside manager has advised that the introduction of privacy panels would reduce the openness of this part of the conservation area.

“The introduction of further buildings in the form of sheds would provide further built development in this area, and contribute to the gradual erosion of open space within the conservation area.

“It is considered on balance that the proposals are unacceptable due to the adverse impact on the identified heritage assets, and in particular would cause (less than substantial) harm to the significance of the Park Conservation Area.”

The report also notes the council had contacted the applicant in an attempt to reduce the size of the sheds to provide smaller storage units, but no amendments were made.

A design and access statement from GAP Design on behalf of the applicant previously stated the development as approved is ‘90% complete’ and some sheds have already been erected as they are needed at the site.

It said: “It has proven to be that retirement units are attracting residents who wish to tend their own small garden areas.

“The development of the site is almost complete and sheds have already been erected in violation to the condition.

“We consider the imposing of such a condition to be invalid for the rights of individuals to tend their own gardens and have means of storage of tools to carry out such activities.”

Residents at Meadowcroft Mews have also called for the plans to be approved in responses to the council.

One resident said: “The granting of this application is essential to the security and welfare of all the occupants of Meadowcroft Mews.

“I personally need an outside shed for all my gardening essentials but my son and I also have bikes which we use regularly and which need to be locked up each night.

“To be able to keep them and outside things safely locked away is a priority for me especially living on my own.”

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