Nine detached homes at Southbrooke Farm Summerhill Lane, Hartlepool

What was proposed

The application sought nine detached two-storey homes, with three- and four-bedroom layouts, parking, gardens, landscaping and associated works.

“The application, as amended during the course of the application, seeks planning permission for the demolition of the existing buildings within the application site and the erection of nine detached dwellings and associated works. The proposal is for three and four bedroom two storey detached dwellings. The properties would have off street parking (from Summerhill Lane) within the curtilage of the properties.”

“- 2 house type A – 3 bed two storey dwelling with single integral garage - 3 house type B – 4 bed two storey dwelling with double integral garage - 4 house type C – 4 bed two storey dwelling…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a 0.7-hectare former smallholding with rough grassland and rubble, beside Summerhill Lane, open land, allotments, schools and telecommunications masts.

“The application site is a small holding known as Southbrooke Farm on the northern extent of Summerhill Lane. The smallholding comprises a narrow rectangular shaped parcel of land that extends to approximately 0.7 hectares in area (1.7 acres) and runs parallel with Summerhill Lane. The application site comprises rough grassland and rubble, formerly occupied by an array of agricultural and equestrian buildings.”

“Summerhill Lane is accessed from Catcote Road to the west. To the west of the site is Summerhill Visitors Centre, with allotments to the south and Catcote School to the south east of the site (beyond the main highway of Summerhill Lane). Directly to the north is farmland, which separates the site from the Park Conservation Area and residential properties. There are two telecommunications masts on the north west rear boundary of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and appeal

A previous nine-home permission lapsed, while a later 14-home application was refused and its appeal dismissed after several reasons for refusal were upheld.

“H/2014/0035 – Outline application with all maters reserved for residential development comprising 9 dwellings and retention of existing farmhouse – approved 24/03/2014. This permission was never implemented and has since lapsed.”

“A subsequent appeal (APP/H0724/W/21/3286101) was dismissed on appeal, decision date 17/11/2021, in respect of refused application H/2017/0054. The Inspector upheld reasons 1, 2 and 4 of the refused planning application, and commented in the decision that reasons 3 and 5 would not warrant additional reasons to refuse the appeal. These matters are discussed further as part of the considerations of this current application.”

Officer report

Support for the scheme

Supporters cited the location, improved appearance, reduced crime, housing demand, investment, access to amenities and possible improvements to roads, lighting and drainage.

“The application was advertised by way of site notice, press advert and notification letters to six neighbours. To date, there have been 23 responses of support and two response of ‘neither’. The responses include the following comments:”

“- Improved outlook to the approach; - Great location close to amenities and town centre; - Reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour; - Houses will be in demand; - The proposed development would attract investment; - Great views from the proposed development; - Quiet area, good for families; - Shortage of small groups of housing; - Improvements to roads, lighting and drainage.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The Senior Planning Officer outlined the application, while the Highways Infrastructure Manager and Planning Policy Team Leader answered members’ questions.

The decision

The committee minded to approve nine homes subject to a section 106 agreement securing financial contributions, infrastructure obligations and the listed planning conditions.

“Minded to APPROVE subject to the completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure to secure the following financial contributions and planning obligations;”

“A borough-wide biodiversity compensation contribution (£10,000); Built Sports Facilities (£250 per dwelling, total £2,250); • Green Infrastructure (£250 per dwelling, total £2,250); • Outdoor sport and play facilities; Playing Pitches (£233.29 per dwelling, total £2,099.61); • Outdoor sport and play facilities; • Tennis Courts (£57.02 per dwelling, total £513.18); • Outdoor sport and play facilities, • Bowling Greens (£4.97 per dwelling, total £44.73); • the provision,…”

Minutes