Controversial plans lodged for 600 new homes in Yarm

Last month, the housing developer announced proposals to build a string of new builds on the fields south of Green Lane. 

But this was met with backlash from residents in the sprawling town, who branded it the “straw that broke the camel’s back”.

Following a public consultation, official plans have now been submitted to Stockton Council for the estate, which still includes 600 homes across a 54 hectare site. 

The official plans for the new estate (Image: P+HS ARCHITECTS / TAYLOR WIMPEY)

While home designs are to be confirmed, the estate will likely include a mix of two, three, four, and five bedroom homes, the majority being two storey, and up to 120 affordable homes.

Key aspects include two new signalled junctions from along Green Lane, one opposite the entrance to Kirk Road and another opposite Glaisdale Road. 

The two entrances will create a loop road, providing a potential bus route, and the junctions will be used to create safe crossing points connecting to the rest of Yarm.

'Gateway village' featuring Hutchinson Hobbs

While Hutchinson Hobbs Farm Shop & Butchers will remain, Yarm Driving Range will not be retained under these first set of plans. 

However, the driving range remains open as normal, and The Northern Echo understands that it has no plans to close at this time. 

The Hutchinson Hobbs Farm Shop will remain (Image: Hutchinson Hobbs)

Under the plans submitted on July 1, the driving range buildings will be kept, and are expected to be “re-used by the landowner”. 

Documents state the site will feature “significant areas of publicly accessible open space” which “will be of a greater benefit to the wider community”.

A closer look at the plan for the land near Hutchinson Hobbs (Image: P+HS ARCHITECTS / TAYLOR WIMPEY)

The area near Hutchinson Hobbs has been labelled as the ‘gateway village’ area of the site, connecting the shop to the estate while providing potential for bungalows and green spaces.

Meanwhile, the existing hedge that runs along Green Lane is planned to be kept as far as possible, with planting and landscaping to be added to the south and east.

The site as it stands today (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

While the developer said the area is considered to be “low risk” from flooding, it noted that a middle section has a “medium to high risk” of surface water flooding, and therefore the development of housing will avoid this space. 

Cycling and pedestrian routes are also planned as well as drainage basins and a ‘play on the way’ activity space.

Fears over impact on traffic and local services

As previously reported, Taylor Wimpey held a public consultation last month where residents could see more in depth proposals for the site.

The developer said it "understands the importance of listening to the community" and would consider all feedback before submitting the formal application. 

Concerns have been raised over traffic on Green Lane (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

But the event did little to settle the frustration, with a petition being launched to ‘Save Yarm’ from future housing developments.

Last week, the group marked almost 3,000 signatures in support of the campaign and Yvonne Wallace, who is leading the drive, met with Stockton West MP Matt Vickers.

Mr Vickers continues to argue that Yarm is being treated as a “cash cow” - and that new developments are “creating unbearable pressure on services and infrastructure.” 

Documents submitted to the council state that 223 people responded to the consultation, and more than 350 attended the public event.

Read more:

• Developer bids for up to 79 homes on new estate in village
• 'Frustrated' Darlington football fans feel 'in limbo' over new stadium plans
• Teen puts Crufts dreams on hold after pooch Benji diagnosed with cancer

Concerns raised by residents there included fears about heightened levels of traffic, particularly during school drop off and collection times. 

There were also concerns over local services being overwhelmed, particularly Yarm Medical Practice, as well as the availability of NHS dentists and school places. 

However, Taylor Wimpey expects it will be required by the council to pay “a number of financial contributions towards increasing provision within local infrastructure".

A spokesperson previously said: “We would like to thank everyone who attended our public consultation event for the proposed development off Green Lane in Yarm.

"We understand the importance of listening to the community and we will consider all feedback as we finalise our outline planning application.”