Hart Reservoirs Housing Plan – Council Prepares to Decide Its Future..
- teessidetoday
- Aug 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 19
Councillors set to decide on plans for 70 new homes at Hart Reservoirs on the outskirts of Hartlepool, with council officials recommending for the plans to be approved....
18th August 2025
Hartlepool Borough Council’s Planning Committee is set to debate a major housing proposal at its upcoming meeting, with application H/2023/0368 firmly in the spotlight.
The application, submitted by Persimmon Homes, seeks full planning permission for the construction of 70 homes on land near Hart Reservoirs. This site lies on the northern edge of the town, close to Bishop Cuthbert, and is considered one of the few remaining open stretches of land bordering Hart village.
According to the plans, The scheme would deliver a mix of properties, predominantly family homes, across a greenfield location long valued by residents for its open character. The application includes associated access roads, landscaping, and supporting infrastructure.
Concerns and Objections
As expected with such a development, the proposal has attracted a number of objections. Local residents and community representatives have raised issues over:
Loss of open space – The reservoirs area has historically been viewed as a natural buffer between Hart and the urban sprawl of Hartlepool.
Traffic impact – Additional houses could increase congestion around Merlin Way, Bishop Cuthbert, and the approaches to Hart village.
Wildlife and environment – Campaigners argue that the area provides valuable habitat for birds and other species, which would be at risk if the land is built on as well as concerns about the alleged drainage of the reservoir some time ago resulting in a loss of habitat for wildlife.
Hart Parish Council has also reportedly expressed concerns, particularly over the potential erosion of the village’s identity if development continues to push closer towards it.
Council’s Position
Despite the objections, planning officers are said to have recommended the approval of the scheme, subject to conditions. The report states that the site is considered “sustainable” and suitable for development within the council’s local plan framework.
Its claimed the plans were considered back in March 2025, where a decision was deferred so that a site visit could be arranged. Persimmon itself then reportedly asked for the scheme to be removed from April’s agenda, so that it could make vital amendments to the plans, with the changes made largely to focus around the siting of plots, with 16 plots adjusted to create more space between them.
The final decision now rests with Hartlepool Borough Councils Planning Committee which is set to meet this Wednesday & will weigh the objections against the need for new housing, with the meeting expected to generate significant debate.
For many in Hart and the wider Hartlepool community, the decision on the application will be seen as a defining moment in shaping how far urban development should extend into valued green spaces.
