Locals Push Back Against Plans for 46 New Homes in a quiet Hartlepool Village....
- teessidetoday
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 19
Plans for 46 new homes in a quiet rural village have already attracted a number of objections, sparking claims the plans will merely be 'rubber-stamped' when the plans are brought before a committee for decision.
16th Feb 2025
Proposal's to build 46 new homes on the outskirts of Hartlepool have reportedly already drawn strong opposition from local residents, leading to the plans having to be mulled by Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee.
The application, submitted by Lovell Homes, seeks permission to develop land at North Farm, off The Green in Elwick & would include a mix of two one-bedroom flats, four two-bedroom houses, 28 three-bedroom homes—six of which being bungalows—and 12 four-bedroom houses, with Eight of those homes being earmarked for so called “affordable housing.”
However, the proposal's have already triggered significant backlash from the local community, where HBC Exposed understands at least 12 formal objections have been lodged, with concerns ranging from the loss of valuable agricultural land, to fears of over-development in the small rural village.
Traffic concerns are a major issue say locals !
Residents are also said to be particularly frustrated by the ongoing failure of Hartlepool Borough Council to deliver on a long-promised bypass, with many arguing the local roads are already struggling to cope with congestion, especially during peak hours.
A design and access statement submitted with the plans reportedly attempts to address those concerns, claiming the development will include 'open spaces' and be designed to “blend into its rural surroundings.” stating :
“The development creates an attractive and sustainable extension to Elwick village on a site allocated for housing by Hartlepool Borough Council, contributing towards meeting local housing needs. The development forms a natural extension to the village without negatively affecting the unique conservation area around Elwick village green.”
The application also highlights the proposed redevelopment of derelict farm buildings said to be in "a poor state of repair,” suggesting it would improve the appearance of the area along Elwick Road.
In terms of infrastructure, the plans include a new vehicular access point just east of the current farm entrance, along with 104 parking spaces—six of which will be designated for visitors. However many locals claim the plans will add to the already mounting problems for the small rural village that can trace its roots back to the 1800s.
With local opposition mounting, all eyes are said to be on the council’s planning committee, where its claimed talks are already beginning to re-emerge about whether Hartlepool Borough Councils really ever learned its lesson from a 2021 motion of no confidence that was petitioned against the local council by the towns rural district parishes, leading to what could have been a possible 'break away' of the towns rural villages to another borough.
However, as its now increasingly likely that HBC's planning committee will be getting the final say on the plans, many locals are said to be getting ready for what could be a bitter battle between the council & wealthy developers, who seem to be snatching up swathes of local land at breakneck speed leaving the areas rural villages looking more like small commuter towns which many claim is tearing the heart out of the local community & demolishing the idyllic village life.
Have Your Say !
Is it time for Hartlepool's Rural District Villages to declare a 2nd Vote of No Confidence in Hartlepool Borough Council ?
YES
NO
Previous Article published 31st Jan 2025
