Hartlepool Housing Expansion Plan Returns to Committee After Site Visit..

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Major 475-Home Quarry Farm Development Set for Planning Decision

Councillors to Decide The Future of 475-Home Quarry Farm Expansion, With Officers Already Recommending The Plans Be Approved Despite Public Objections.

10th March 2026 17:21pm

Plans for a major housing development on land at Quarry Farm, off Elwick Road in Hartlepool, are set to return to councillors next week with officers recommending the plans be approved following a recent site visit.

The outline planning application proposes the construction of up to 475 homes, alongside a small local centre with retail space, open green areas and associated infrastructure. Access to the development would be taken from Elwick Road, with the remainder of the design details to be determined at a later stage. The scheme was said to have been previously considered by Hartlepool Borough Council’s Planning Committee in February but was deferred so councillors could undertake a site visit and review concerns about the scale and impact of the development.

Planning officers have since reiterated their recommendation that the scheme be approved, subject to conditions and a legal agreement securing financial contributions and mitigation measures.

However, the proposal has attracted significant opposition from local residents, with at least 26 objections submitted during the consultation process. Among the main concerns raised are the impact on traffic and road safety, particularly along Elwick Road and through nearby villages such as Elwick and Dalton Piercy. Residents also questioned whether the surrounding road infrastructure can cope with further large-scale housing development.

Other objections were said to focus on the pressure on local services, including schools and GP provision, as well as concerns over the loss of countryside and greenfield land outside the town’s development boundary.

Residents have also warned of potential flooding risks, increased surface water runoff and impacts on wildlife, with the site located near areas of ecological interest including the Naisberry Quarry Local Wildlife Site.

Unsustainable Urban Expansion Some Claim

Some objectors argue the development represents unsustainable urban expansion, stating that the council should prioritise brownfield regeneration and the reuse of empty homes within the town instead.

Despite the objections, planning officers say the scheme includes mitigation measures, open space, play areas and ecological improvements, and that financial contributions will be secured to offset potential impacts.

If approved by councillors next week, the decision would grant outline permission for the development, with detailed layout, design and landscaping to be decided through later applications.