Street Names in New Housing Estate to Honor Local History

Street names within a forthcoming housing estate will commemorate the region’s heritage, following accusations that a developer had “disregarded” the area’s past. Persimmon Homes initially designated the 316-home project, situated north of the A689 near Hartlepool, as Greatham Meadow. However, a proposal was put forth to rename it Claxton Meadow, referencing the adjacent parish. The company confirmed that local historian Robert Smith, who initiated the renaming suggestion, subsequently assisted in selecting street names that reflect the area’s historical context. Mr. Smith characterized this resolution as “an excellent solution.” Councillors unanimously approved the plans for this development, which represents the initial phase of a larger housing initiative. Earlier this year, an initial hybrid application received approval for the South West Extension development, which is projected to construct 1,260 homes on land located between the A689 and Brierton Lane. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that these proposals also include the establishment of a primary school, a medical facility, and a restaurant. The development is slated to feature various housing types, including bungalows and apartments, with configurations ranging from one to five bedrooms. Mr. Smith, who chaired the former Fens Residents’ Association before its dissolution in 2020, stated that he had no overarching objection to the scheme. He clarified that his concerns were solely related to its name. He added that the area’s history dates back “a long way” to the late 11th Century, with the Claxton family serving as “lords of the manor” until the 15th Century. Alice Hall, representing Persimmon, indicated that information boards would be installed to offer residents “a glimpse of the history of the area of Claxton.”