Welcome
Welcome to this online public consultation event relating to a development of new homes, a grocery store and public open spaces on land to the east of Stockton Road, Hawthorn, County Durham.
Please note that this exercise is separate from the statutory consultation that Durham County Council will conduct once the planning application has been submitted and validated. Comments submitted via this website will not be formally submitted to the Council – please respond to the Council’s consultation directly.
This website contains information about the proposed development and provides an opportunity for you to submit comments directly to Bellway.
Site Location Plan
Click on the above plan to view a larger version
About Bellway
Bellway began as a small family business in 1946 - with a passion for building exceptional quality homes in carefully selected locations, inspired by the needs of real families.
With over 3,000 employees, Bellway was crowned ‘Large housebuilder of the year’ at The Housebuilder Awards 2023. For the past 8 years, Bellway have been awarded 5-star builder status by the Home Builders Federation, reflecting their exceptional quality housing and commitment to their customers. Bellway have a track record of delivering high-quality successful developments across County Durham.
If you would like to find out more about Bellway, please visit their website below:
https://www.bellway.co.uk/about-bellway
The Site
The site comprises approximately 14.8 acres of agricultural and paddock land to the north and west of the village of Hawthorn in County Durham.
The site is bound by homes to the east, south and west, with the B432 Stockton Road along the western edge of the site.
A small beck runs east-west through the site.
Aerial tour of the site
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Hawthorn Village
Hawthorn Village is located next to the A19 in the east of County Durham, approximately 1km south of Seaham. The Village is largely residential but also has a pub, a community centre and a church within the village, with a wider range of services in Easington to the south, South Hetton to the west, and Murton to the north.
There are bus stops on Stockton Road (which runs north-south through the village) with regular services running between Sunderland and Durham.
Hawthorn is not a conventionally shaped settlement. The village consists of a number of distinct areas developed at different stages. ​The historic part of the village runs along the (unnamed) road that runs north-south on the eastern side of the village and is designated as a Conservation Area.
The local pub (The Stapylton Arms), church (St Michael and All Angels) and village hall are all located in this area.
The next distinct area is the ribbon development of houses which were built in the mid-1900s and which run east-west along West Lane and partially up Stockton Road. These are predominantly bungalows, with some larger two-storey homes sitting behind this row.
The final distinct area is the Western Park development that was constructed in the early 2000s on the site of a former RAF camp. This estate lies over 400m from the historic core of the village, connected by the rows of homes along West Lane.
The Vision and Development Proposals
The vision for the site is to create a dynamic and welcoming space that enhances and brings together the whole village. This development aims to create a central heart for the village, making Hawthorn an even more attractive and cohesive place to live
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It is proposed to develop the westernmost portion of the site along Stockton Road for approximately 80 new homes and a local shop, framing the eastern portion of the site into a multi-functional community open space.
This could serve multiple purposes such as children’s and youth recreation areas, wildlife habitats and a community orchard potentially involving local organisations. We would welcome your thoughts on how these areas could be used.
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Given the absence of a local shop within Hawthorn a small grocery store will be incorporated within the development to meet the day-to-day shopping needs of local residents.
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The retail store is proposed at the southern end of the site facing onto Stockton Road to ensure it is centrally located for accessibility to all of the residents of the village.
This will significantly reduce the need for local residents to travel by car, enhancing the sustainability of the village.
Access to the homes would be from Stockton Road, on which it is proposed that traffic calming measures and/or additional speed restrictions would be implemented which will benefit both new and existing residents.
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Design Strategy Plan
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Technical Matters
A vehicular and pedestrian access will be created on Stockton Road. New safety measures will be consulted upon and agreed with the Council.
Sufficient car parking will be provided for residents and shoppers, including visitor parking and electric vehicle charging.
Benefits
Social Benefits
Approximately 80 new homes, including affordable homes and bungalows
A new community open space, incorporating features such as a community orchard and a play area
A new local store to serve both new and existing residents of Hawthorn
Environmental Benefits
The provision of a new Sustainable Urban Drainage System to reduce the risk of flooding in the area
At least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain
New tree, shrub and wildflower planting to create habitats for wildlife
Economic Benefits
Direct and indirect jobs throughout the construction period and within the store
Generating additional expenditure in the local area
Providing a boost to Durham County Council’s revenue through increased Council Tax receipts and New Homes Bonus
Have Your Say
Thank you for reviewing the initial proposals for this development.
A drop-in event will be held Thursday 14th November between 3pm and 7pm at the Stapylton Steakhouse, Hawthorn, SR7 8SD.
Bellway is committed to engaging with the community and it is important to us that local people have the opportunity to view and comment on the proposals before a planning application is submitted.
Please do take a few minutes to fill in our feedback form and provide your views on the scheme. ​​
The closing date for comments is 21st November 2024, however, comments after this date may still be reviewed.
A Statement of Community Involvement will be available to view as part of the submission documents on Durham County Council’s website upon submission of the planning application.
The statement will set out an analysis of the feedback that has been received and any changes made to the scheme as a result of this consultation.