Hartlepool business park expansion plans approved

Planners said the expansion would create new jobs in Hartlepool

Plans to expand a town's business park have been approved.

One of the units at Queens Meadow Business Park in Hartlepool, County Durham, will be occupied by housebuilder Acland Homes.

Another will be home to SAB Supplies, a tool and plant hire company.

Planners said that although the development would have an "adverse impact on biodiversity" due to the loss of a small area of natural habitat, there were "numerous" benefits.

The plans were discussed by the Hartlepool Development Corporation, which was created by the Tees Valley Mayor to transform the area.

A report which went before organisation said: "The proposed development would result in the creation of new jobs within the borough, supporting three local businesses who would relocate to Queens Meadow Business Park."

The application also secures outline permission for a third unit, although detail on the occupants and the design of that site is to be provided through further future proposals, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The approval, which was agreed on Monday, will be subject to a legal agreement securing £8,000 from the developer to go towards green infrastructure in the area.

A total of 28 car parking spaces will be provided across the site, including three disabled spaces.