Former Farm Could Be Transformed Into 46 New Homes – But Will Residents Object?

North Farm, on the outskirts of Hartlepool could become housing under new proposals submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council...

Plans have now gone in for the construction of 46 new homes on the site of a farm that developers claim has "largely become redundant".....

31st Jan 2025

Plans have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council that could see a former farm redeveloped into a small housing estate with 46 new homes.

Lovell Homes has applied for planning permission to transform the former farmland at North Farm, The Green Elwick, into a residential development, complete with associated landscaping and infrastructure. The application, listed as a major development under reference H/2024/0388 on the council’s planning portal, is expected to attract significant local interest—possibly even opposition.

Concerns Over Rural Housing Expansion

There's already concerns from local parish councils over the scale of housing developments being approved in the areas outlying villages

The planning statement acknowledges the site’s history, stating:"The property was once a thriving and busy working farm at the heart of the village but is now largely redundant."

However, its claimed the proposal comes at a time when public frustration over housing developments in rural communities on Teesside is at an all-time high, with many residents feeling developers are snapping up land at an alarming rate, changing the character of villages and putting pressure on local infrastructure.

Previous applications in similar areas have sparked widespread backlash against Hartlepool Borough Council, which was officially declared an authority of no public confidence in 2023, with some of the most hotly contested planning applications in recent years involving developments in rural communities, with local parish councils particularly vocal about their concerns.

They argue that new housing estates threaten village identity and disrupt long-standing community ties. This very issue led to a major political standoff back in 2021, when Hartlepool’s parish councils came close to breaking away from the borough council after declaring their own vote of no confidence in the town's leadership.

What Happens Next?

A decision on the development is expected by the end of April 2025, though this timeline could be pushed back if a significant number of objections are submitted.

Should the plans prove controversial, its claimed they may have to be reviewed by a council planning committee before a final verdict is reached.

Will this project move forward smoothly, or will it face a fierce fight from the local community?

Let us know your thoughts !

Does Hartlepool really need any more New Homes ?

• YES
• NO