Hartlepool unused reservoir to be filled in for development

The lower body of water at Hart reservoirs was drained in 2019

An unused reservoir is to be filled in to allow for development opportunities, in plans approved by a council.

Proposals to carry out work on the lower body of water at Hart Reservoirs were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council by Persimmon Homes last year.

Hart reservoir was built in the 19th Century to supply the old docks with water, which was turned into steam to power the old shipbuilding industries.

Persimmon Homes has pledged to keep the historic infrastructure on site.

Council planning officers ruled the development for the land off Hart Lane was acceptable "in relation to potential impacts on ecology, surface water management, contamination and highways".

They added the proposals were "not considered to negatively impact a heritage asset, the character and appearance of the surrounding area, or the amenity of neighbouring occupiers".

The reservoir was drained in 2019.

Six residents objected to the plans with concerns over disruptions during previous work at the site, contamination, and the potential for future noise issues and mud spreading to nearby roads.

Applicant Alice Hall, from Persimmon Homes, said the work would facilitate future development on the land and create a "safer environment" for the community.

Ms Hall said: "Since the draining of the reservoir basin, the site has posed a health and safety risk for anyone who trespasses on the site.

Developers say the drained reservoir posed a risk to anyone who trespassed on the site off Hart Lane

"The infrastructure of the former reservoir will remain in situ and any future development on the site would take the historic use of the site into consideration," Ms Hall continued.

She added should no development take place on the land, then it would be "topped with grass seed".

A separate application has already been submitted by Persimmon Homes to build 70 new "high quality" four and five bedroom homes on the land, which will be considered at a later date by the council.

The approval is subject to the completion of a deal involving off-site biodiversity net gains, which include watercourse habitat creation and enhancements.