Hartlepool's 475 new homes face delay as Secretary of State reviews plans. The Secretary of State is reviewing plans previously approved by councillors to provide 475 new homes in Hartlepool. Proposals were given the go-ahead by Hartlepool Borough Council planning committee in April to provide the properties on 23.5 hectares of agricultural land to the north of Elwick Road and south of Worset Lane. The approval was subject to the completion of a section 106 legal agreement securing more than £8million from the developer to mitigate the impacts of the scheme. The outline application, from Hartlepool-based Cecil M Yuill, would deliver the third phase of the Quarry Farm housing development. It also includes a local centre comprising 400sqm of retail units and areas of open space. Prior to a decision being made 26 objections had been submitted to the council from residents raising concerns over the proposals. Worries were voiced around 'inadequate' road infrastructure, congestion, noise, traffic, impact on countryside, trees, fields and wildlife, and the lack of demand for the properties - and an objector spoke at the meeting to raise such concerns. The planning committee decided by majority vote to approve the application, which was in line with recommendations from council officers. However local authority chiefs have now confirmed a review is taking place over the decision by the Secretary of State. A council spokesperson said: 'We can confirm that we are in receipt of a letter from the office of the Secretary of State regarding the planning application, which they are entitled to do on any application.'