Reservoir site housing plan approved

The development will provide 46 four bed and 24 five bed homes

Plans to build 70 "high quality" homes at the site of a disused reservoir on Teesside have been given the green light.

The Persimmon Homes development on the drained area of the smaller of the two Hart Reservoirs would consist of four and five-bedroom properties.

Labour-led Hartlepool Borough Council approved it subject to the completion of a legal agreement securing funding from the developer to mitigate the scheme's impacts.

This will include £107,012 toward primary education and £35,238 toward secondary education, plus £17,500 for indirect adverse impacts on birds.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the application outlined how the properties would "provide a valuable contribution to the local housing offer" and include a new play area and green public open space.

However, nine objections were submitted by residents, raising concerns around increased traffic in Hart Lane and potential parking issues nearby, along with worries over the loss of green space.

Previous planning documents estimated the development would support the employment of 217 people and generate £843,710 in tax revenue, including £79,062 in council tax income per annum.