Plans for 1,200 New Homes on the Outskirts of Hartlepool Approved Despite Local Objections..

Wynyard, on the outskirts of Hartlepool

The plans for up to 1200 new homes was approved this week by council planning officers despite concerns from the local public .

26th Feb 2025

Outline planning permission has been granted for the construction of up to 1,200 new homes on the outskirts of Hartlepool despite objections from concerned local residents who claim the plans risk further overdevelopment in an already 'overcrowded' village.

The plans, submitted by Lichfields back in 2022, reportedly received approval this week from council planning chiefs, sparking controversy within the community.

Despite what's said to have been 18 formal objections being lodged, the council has given the green light to the large-scale development, despite local residents having raised serious concerns over several key issues, including the Loss of Wildlife Habitats, Overdevelopment, Infrastructure Concerns & a Lack of Community Services 

The Developer’s Justification

Lichfields, in their planning statement, defended the project by stating:

"Development across Wynyard Park has come forward at a steady pace for nearly 10 years. The number of new dwellings has been restricted by National Highways due to the need for highway improvement works. However, with these works progressing, this application aims to consolidate the undeveloped land in Hartlepool and allow Wynyard Park to reach its full potential as a Garden Village."

The 61.4-hectare site is located north of the A689, with access points from Hartlepool Road/The Meadows/The Wynd roundabout to the west and the A689/Hanzard Drive roundabout to the east. Lichfields claim that the site is not within any Conservation Area and does not contain any heritage assets, although an Archaeological Exclusion Zone is designated to the immediate west of the site.

A Town Divided

Public feedback on the proposal has reportedly been mixed. Whilst some residents support the investment and economic growth that a Garden Village designation could bring, many remain deeply concerned about the lack of infrastructure to support the development. The main topics of interest and concern raised by residents include:

1. Impact on Wynyard’s Character – Fear that rapid expansion will erode the qualities that make Wynyard an attractive community.

2. Community Facilities – Concerns over whether there will be enough shops, schools, healthcare facilities, and leisure amenities.

3. Consultation & Transparency – Calls for meaningful engagement between developers and residents to ensure their voices are heard.

4. Infrastructure Delivery – Ensuring that roads, utilities, and public services are upgraded in time to support the new homes.

5. Green Infrastructure – The importance of preserving woodland and green spaces for recreational use.

6. Governance – Questions around who will oversee and manage the new development.

7. Housing Mix – Calls for a variety of housing types to reflect the existing character of Wynyard.

8. Sustainable Transport – Concerns over limited public transport links and pedestrian access to services.

   
   

The Bigger Picture

Whilst the developers argues that the Wynyard Park expansion is 'a natural progression', locals fear that it will fundamentally change the area for the worse. The approval of this project is also said to have raised broader questions about Hartlepool Borough Council’s commitment to sustainable development and whether they are truly listening to local voices.

With infrastructure improvements still 'bogged down' in the planning stages, will Wynyard’s residents ever see the benefits of this development, or will it become another example of over-ambitious urban sprawl?

Time will tell, but for now, it seems the battle between progress and preservation continues.