Decision delayed on amended plans for Hartlepool retirement village in conservation area

Plans were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council last year 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 council planning committee was due to make a decision on the proposals at its meeting on Wednesday, September 2, however councillors unanimously backed deferring the application to allow for a site visit to take place first.

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

Four Meadowcroft Mews residents had 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.

However a report from senior council planning officer Ryan Cowley argued the proposals would harm the Park Conservation Area where the development is located, and recommended the proposals are refused.

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.”

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.”

A decision will now be made on the plans at a future council planning committee meeting once councillors have carried out a visit to view the site.

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