Scaled-down marina homes plan approved

Plans for 385 homes as part of a larger £120m development have been approved.

Developer Jomast wanted to vary or remove a number of conditions attached to existing planning permission for the properties at Hartlepool Marina, and reduce overall numbers.

The approval, which dates back to 2003 and remains valid, gave consent for approximately 900 homes but only 200 were built.

Following concerns an apartment block proposed as part of the plans would block out light and "severely disrupt" the view the company said it would look at the issue.

Objector Michael Gant said the height of the block on land near Chandlers Close and Maritime Avenue meant it would "block out any morning light and severely disrupt any kind of view".

It would increase energy costs, lead to a "detrimental" impact on mental and physical health and cause a parking "nightmare", he added.

"I'd ask you to seriously reconsider the building of this part of the site and think about the stress and anxiety it's causing residents," he said.

The plans received 20 objections including a 30-signature petition.

But Hartlepool Development Corporation's board, which deals with planning for the area, approved the scheme.

Officers said the design quality of the new plans was a "significant improvement" on previous proposals.

The planning board imposed a condition requiring the height of the apartment block to be looked at again and possibly reduced.

Jomast's development director Adam Hearld said it had been "through a very exhaustive process with the whole design team" but it would be able to look at the issue.

Another condition requires the developer to secure funding to mitigate the impact of the scheme, including £96,250 for children's play facilities.

The application is linked to plans for a mixed 650-home scheme at seven marina locations alongside retail, leisure and medical facilities.

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