Home improvements add value but what changes should you make?
While there is a need for new homes in Wynyard, and across the country, this doesn't mean all development proposals should be accepted. There will always be complaints and viewpoints from residents, and it is vital to balance the need for new homes while making sure existing residents aren’t ignored or overlooked.
This is an issue which has arisen a couple of times in Wynyard, and as we head into the summer of 2024, there is still debate as to whether a recent planning application was the correct decision.
Both sides made valid arguments with respect to plans surrounding 135 homes in Wynyard village. Stockton Council said the plans went too far, leaving Cameron Hall Developments and Banks Homes disappointed.
The development could have delivered homes and jobs to local area
The developers' viewpoints were represented by Stephen Longstaff. Stephen mentioned that the “high-quality homes” could bring as many as 400 jobs to the local community. This is the sort of benefit that goes far beyond homes, and will mean existing residents have the chance to be better off.
The developers also claim the work will involve close to £4m worth of expenditure, which is likely to be a real boon for the local community if it comes off. Other key aspects of the plan include to redevelop the local racecourse and to continue the development of Wynyard village.
We think Wynyard is an excellent place to stay, and we are not alone in this. However, we know there is a need for more amenities. News that the developer aimed to bring a new medical centre to the local area, as well as shops, restaurants and a function room is again something that will likely be of interest to people already living here, not just people who might move to the area.
There have been objections
Of course, not everyone believes the development is for the good of the local community. One critic is Tony Maxwell, from the Wynyard Residents Association. Tony believes the current plans represent a violation of a previous planning agreement, stating the development wouldn’t have more than 500 homes. Tony said: “We have a situation where land specified for development for a maximum of 500 houses has been turned into 765 - all done without notification to the residents."
Councillor Niall Innes has also spoken out on the topic, saying: “There's no doubt that there is the need to build homes in Stockton. However, true to form, Stockton Council continues to allow questionable planning applications to be accepted, as long as they are in areas that give the council the largest financial return. Like the cartoon character, the pound signs appear in their eyes.”
Councillor Niall Innes continued by saying: “What does this say to residents? 'Yes, today 500 houses, but tomorrow we might want a further 250, 300 or maybe even 500.' Approving this application is tantamount to this council turning a blind eye to the glaring issues with this application, whilst attempting to cram as many houses as possible on to a plot while neglecting other parts of the borough."
We are here to help you move in and around Wynyard
If you are looking for help with any matter of the Wynyard property market, it is best to speak to property professionals. No one knows for sure what is going to happen next, so we won’t claim to have all the answers, but the Anthony Jones team is keen to help you as best we can. If you would like to contact us over housing matters, please call us today on 01740 807107.
