Council Moves Forward with Sale of Land at NineAcres, As it Seems More Housing Could be On the Way !
- teessidetoday
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Originally set to be sold back in 2017, HBC Exposed understands the sale 'fell through' due to numerous delays, its now reportedly been sold once more, but the developer and purchase price remain undisclosed.
14th March 2025
Hartlepool Borough Council is said to be moving ahead with the sale of a stretch of land of land at Nineacres, Hart Village, a decision that's once again likely to re-shape the area’s future & reignite the debate over whether more housing in a small rural village is the straw that will break the backs of already frustrated locals who feel their concerns are being ignored. .
Hartlepool Borough Council Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee is set to approve the transaction on March 21, 2025. But what does this mean for local residents, and how did we get here?
Background: A Long Road to Sale
Its claimed Hartlepool Borough Council owns approximately 88 hectares (217 acres) of agricultural land in Hart, a small village lying just on the outskirts of the town itself, much of which is said to be leased for farming. However, a 3.16-hectare (7.81-acre) parcel of land to the west of the existing village was designated for a housing development in the 2018 Local and Neighbourhood Plans. Whilst its reportedly been temporarily licensed for farming, its future intended use has always been for residential expansion according to the council report. .
Originally marketed in 2017, the land was set to be developed by Gentoo Homes, but a series of setbacks—including prolonged contract negotiations, delays due to COVID, and issues with nutrient neutrality—meant that their planning application was ultimately withdrawn before it could even be reviewed in 2024. This reportedly left Hartlepool Borough Council with no choice but to re-market the land in autumn of 2024, attracting a fresh set of tenders.
What’s in the New Deal?
The council has now reportedly selected a new preferred bidder, although the details of this deal remain confidential. The sale is said to be conditional on the buyer obtaining planning permission for a development that meets council requirements.
Key stipulations are said to include:
Low-density housing development
30% of the site retained for public open space or amenity use
Overcoming significant challenges related to site slope, a BT line that needs rerouting, and utility service deficiencies
Despite these challenges, The council says that Hart Village remains a desirable residential area, with high house prices and strong demand. However, these site-specific issues have reduced the overall land value, though the council still expects a significant financial return that will contribute to its Medium-Term Financial Strategy.
What This Means for Hart Village
For residents of Hart, the sale could bring benefits.... but largely concerns. On one hand, new housing could help meet demand and potentially improve local infrastructure. On the other, issues like utility service capacity, overdevelopment & environmental impacts remain unresolved. The village's rural character and green spaces are cherished by the community, so the proposed 30% public space retention will be an important factor in maintaining its appeal, however its claimed that any plans for housing in the small rural village is likely to come up against strong objections from the local community
The lack of transparency surrounding the recommended tenderer & sale price raises additional questions. Just Who's the buyer? Will their plans align with community needs? The council’s handling of past property deals has been criticised, and local watchdogs will undoubtedly keep a close eye on how this sale progresses, however sources have quietly told HBC Exposed that the developer is 'local' & that they have considerable experience in building homes for both social & private sale.....
Whilst the sale of the Nineacres land marks at least some progress for the council, it remains to be seen as to whether this will truly benefit Hartlepool's residents or simply serve as another financial move for the local council which in 2023 was declared an authority of no public confidence..
With planning permission still required, this is far from a done deal, and residents will likely be wanting to ensure that any development meets the needs of the local community—& not just the pockets of developers and council officials.
