Electric Vehicle Superhub which was refused Planning Permission Set for Planning Appeal..
- teessidetoday
- Jul 30
- 3 min read
The plans which were refused permission earlier this year are now set to be decided by the Governments Planning Inspectorate where its likely the councils decision could be overturned...
30th July 2025
A landmark project to create the UK’s largest Electric Vehicle (EV) charging forecourt—rejected earlier this year by Hartlepool Borough Council—will now be looked at by the Government’s Planning Inspectorate as the applicants bid to overturn the controversial decision.
Gridserve, the company behind the ambitious plans, had hoped to install 45 high-power EV charging bays alongside a hybrid solar energy farm and battery storage system just outside Hartlepool, near the village of Sheraton at Whelly Hill Farm, on land adjacent to the A179 and close to the A19 junction. If approved, the Electric Forecourt would be the largest of its kind in the United Kingdom, covering an estimated 216 acres (87.4 hectares).
The facility would not only provide high-speed charging for hundreds of electric vehicles daily, but also store and distribute clean energy harvested via its own solar farm and linked directly to the national grid through a private transmission line.
A Missed Opportunity?
Despite its scale and potential to drastically improve the 'poor' EV infrastructure in the North East—an area currently underserved by public charging points—Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the application earlier this year, casting doubt on the site’s suitability & increased strain on the road network.
However, critics of the Council's decision pointed out that the location—on the rural fringe of the borough—was one of the most appropriate places for such a facility, minimising traffic disruption to the town whilst placing it in prime proximity to major transport routes such as the A19.
Sources close to the developer told The Durham & Teesside Post that the refusal came despite extensive consultation and agreement with council officers over planning conditions. In a planning appeal statement now submitted to the Government's Planning Inspectorate, Gridserve's planning agents assert:
"The Appellant worked with the Council to agree the wording of the planning conditions attached to the Committee Report. The Appellant remains satisfied that the conditions are reasonable and meet the relevant tests."
What’s at Stake
With the Government pushing for the expansion of EV infrastructure in preparation for the transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles, the refusal of such a significant project has raised eyebrows. Supporters argue the Electric Forecourt would bring not only sustainable infrastructure but also jobs, investment, and long-term environmental benefits to the Teesside and Durham region.
The proposed facility would include:
45 ultra-rapid charging bays, accessible to the public 24/7
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to manage energy demand
An on-site solar energy farm to supply clean electricity
Smart-grid infrastructure to deliver consistent charging even during peak hours
The developers also argue that the development fits seamlessly into the surrounding landscape without intruding into protected areas or existing residential zones.
The Road Ahead
The Planning Inspectorate is now expected to review all the documentation—including public comments, expert assessments, and the council’s decision—in the coming months, with a decision possibly made on the plans by the end of the year.
If successful, the project could act as a national benchmark for EV infrastructure rollouts and position Hartlepool as the leader in the clean transport transition—despite the local council’s initial resistance.
Read our previous report here :
