70 dwellings at Land to the East of Hart Lane (Hart Reservoirs), Hartlepool

What was proposed

A residential development of 70 dwellings with associated infrastructure on land east of Hart Lane.

“Development: Proposed residential development of 70no. dwelling and associated infrastructure…”

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What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement for planning obligations and financial contributions.

“The Senior Planning Officer outlined the application. The officer recommendation was to approve the application subject to conditions and the completion of the s106 legal agreement to secure appropriate planning obligations and financial contributions.”

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The hedge row and site access

Most of the hedge row housing birds would be protected, though some near the site entrance would need to be removed for access.

“A Member queried plans for the surrounding hedge row as it housed several species of bird. The Planning (DC) Team Leader advised the majority of the hedge row would be protected however, some sections in particular the entrance to the site would need to be removed to allow for access. The Arboricultural Officer was happy with the plans in this respect.”

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Traffic, mud and affordable housing

Members raised concerns about construction traffic and mud, and about the town's affordable housing stock and ageing infrastructure.

“A Member fed back concerns from the Parish Council around the traffic to and from the site and the mud and debris this would cause particularly in the wetter months. The Planning (DC) Team Leader advised that wheel cleaning facilities on site had been set out as a requirement of the construction management plan condition.”

“A Member raised concerns around the affordable housing stock within the town and the ageing infrastructure in terms of the additional traffic impact new developments pose. The Planning Policy Team Leader reported that the stock of 2/3 and 3/4 bedroomed homes within the town is balanced with 4/5 bedroomed homes and does not undermine the local plan.”

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Highway safety and parking

Officers said a transport assessment was not required for developments under 80 dwellings, parking requirements were met, and speed reduction measures could be looked at separately.

“In respect to highway concerns and cumulative impacts on the road network, the Traffic and Road Safety Team Leader advised that a Transport Assessment (TA) is not required for developments of less than 80 dwellings and no objections could be raised in the context of the submitted information and assessment of the application. The Traffic and Road Safety Team Leader acknowledged the need to consider the accumulation of all committed developments including…”

“A Member raised further concerns regarding highway safety and any potential requirement for traffic/speed reduction measures. In response, the Traffic and Road Safety Team Leader confirmed that he had a good knowledge of the road and had reviewed the traffic accident record for a stretch of Hart Lane.”

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The applicant's case

The applicant's agent addressed the committee, saying the adjacent speed limit would be lowered and most homes would have solar panels and charging points.

Concerns about affordable housing

Members raised concerns that no affordable housing was included; officers said the mix of house sizes would help maintain housing stock.

“In general discussion concerns were raised that no affordable housing had been included within the plan. The Planning Policy Team Leader commented that Hartlepool needed a mix of house sizes, this site would help to maintain the housing stock and the Council’s 5-year housing supply moving forward.”

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The vote

A member proposed approval, and the application was approved by majority with one abstention.

“The application was moved to approve by Councillor Feeney and seconded by Councillor Young.”

“The application was approved by the majority with one abstention.”

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The decision

Members were minded to approve, subject to a Section 106 agreement securing financial contributions and various conditions.

“Minded to APPROVE subject to the completion of a s106 legal agreement to secure financial contributions toward HRA financial mitigation £17,500) for indirect adverse impacts on SPA feature birds through recreational disturbance, £107,012.75 toward primary education and £35,238.18 toward secondary education; the provision, maintenance and long term management of footpath links to the east and south (and the delivery of surfacing improvements to the existing footpaths to the…”

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