Landscape changes for housing at Former Britmag Ltd Old Cemetery Road, Hartlepool

What was proposed

The application sought to vary approved plans for a 373-dwelling development by changing detailed landscaping to reflect planting already implemented and additional planting proposed.

“The proposed amendments (as of the updated plans received in December 2025) to the approved landscaping now include: -A total of approximately 129 trees on Phase 1 & 2 which is less than the original scheme that included (approx.) 163 trees (a loss/deficit of approximately 21% on the original approved landscaping by virtue of H/2020/0261); -A total of approximately 83 trees on Phase 3 and a significant increase from the original 18 (approx.) trees, representing a 361%…”

“Planning Committee – 21 January 4.1 36 3 - 4.1 Planning 21.01.26 Planning apps Hartlepool Borough Council -The planting of trees and landscaping within the front gardens of approximately 36 dwellings (compared to the original approved planting of approximately 149 trees to the front gardens on the approved plans); -The planting of approximately 127 trees to the front areas in Phase 1 and 2 (compared to the approved planting of approximately 85 trees in this area); -The…”

Officer report

The site

The site is a largely complete residential development on the former Britmag works, accessed from Old Cemetery Road, with most dwellings occupied.

“After being made aware that there were issues with the soft landscaping on site, the applicant has indicated that they have entered into correspondence with occupants of the purchased dwellings and queried if any amendments could be made to recitfy discrepancies with the approved plans on such plots. In response, many occupants of affected properties declined the option to have landscaping implemented within the boundaries of these plots.”

“The site is accessed from Old Cemetery Road and construction of the residential development is largely complete with the majority of the dwellings understood to be occupied. PUBLICITY 2.14 The application has been advertised by way of notification letters to 18 residential properties and local ward councillors, site notice and press advert.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Arboricultural and landscape officers accepted the revised planting, while ecology, highways, drainage, archaeology, police and other consultees raised no objection.

“Planning Committee – 21 January 4.1 40 3 - 4.1 Planning 21.01.26 Planning apps Hartlepool Borough Council The key issue was the reduction in tree planting within the amended planting as outlined in previous comments of Arb. officer. Some additional tree planting has now been provided. Update 13/09//2024 following amended landscaping: There are no landscape and visual issues with the proposed variation.”

“HBC Countryside Access Officer: There is no information to imply that there is any data relating to any recorded or unrecorded public rights of way and/or permissive paths running through, abutting to or being affected by the proposed development of this site. HBC Public Protection: No comments to make. Tees Archaeology: We have no objection to the proposed variation. Cleveland Police: I’ve had a look through the planting list for the proposed landscape amendments.”

Officer report

Objections from residents

Five objections raised concerns about failed planting, unsuitable coastal plants, visual harm, management fees and landscaping differing from the approved plans.

“Planning Committee – 21 January 4.1 37 3 - 4.1 Planning 21.01.26 Planning apps Hartlepool Borough Council 2.15 The objections and concerns raised can be summarised as follows: -The original planting died within a few months. -Plants unsuitable for coastal site. -Poor planting has a detriment on the visual amenity of the site. -Management fee for open spaces and sand dunes should be reduced. -Landscaping is not in keeping with approved plans.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the applicant said residents had been consulted and that access to much of the development was unavailable because properties were occupied.

Members' discussion

Members thanked officers and the Arboricultural Officer, and were told that a new landscaper would undertake the work because the original landscaper was no longer employed.

“Following a question from a Member, the representative confirmed the original landscaper was no longer employed by Persimmon. A new landscaper was in place to undertake this work moving forward.”

“A Member thanked the Arboricultural Officer for their hard work in relation to this application.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Thompson moved approval in line with the officer recommendation, Councillor Jorgeson seconded it, and the application was unanimously approved.

“Councillor Thompson moved that this application be approved as per the officer recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Jorgeson.”

“The application was unanimously approved.”

Minutes

The decision

The variation was approved, with the approved landscaping to be carried out by the end of the next planting season and then maintained under an agreed management plan.

“All planting, seeding or turfing comprising the approved details of landscaping (thereafter referred to as the Approved Landscaping Scheme and as contained within the approved landscaping plans and details date received by the Local Planning Authority 3rd December 2025 and as set out within condition 1 of this decision notice) shall be carried out for all phases of the site (including areas of open space and the planting within the identified residential plots) before the…”

Minutes