Children's Home Plans Recommended for Refusal by Council Officials..

The Property in Elm Grove Hartlepool was set to be converted into supported living accommodation for up to 5 children, however the plans have reportedly not been looked upon favourably by the local council who are recommending the plans be 'refused'...

16th July 2025

Plans to convert a property in Hartlepool's Elm Grove into a residential children's home have been dealt a major blow this week, as Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning officials have reportedly recommended that the application be refused when it goes before a council committee next week for discussion.

The proposed development, listed under planning reference H/2025/0113, is set to go before Hartlepool Borough Councils Planning Committee on Wednesday 23rd July 2025, where, according to the official documents, council officers have raised significant concerns about the suitability of the property and its impact on the surrounding residential area.

The core reasons for the recommended refusal are said to focus around the possible harm to the character and amenity of the local neighbourhood, with Council officials reportedly highlighting that introducing another care home facility in the area could lead to an overconcentration of such properties. This, they argue, risks undermining the stability and character of what is primarily a residential community made up of families and elderly residents. There were also said to be concerns that the use of the home for vulnerable children requiring specialist support could result in increased comings and goings—leading to potential noise, antisocial behaviour, and disruption for neighbouring households, with the application reportedly failing to sufficiently address how the applicant would manage potential issues around safeguarding, supervision, and integration within the local community, with council officers concluding that the risk of the development being in conflict with local residents simply 'too high'.

The plans reportedly attracted some local opposition (11 in total), with nearby residents said to have voiced fears over community safety, property values, and the suitability of Elm Grove as a location for such a facility

One objector wrote: “We are not against helping children in need, but this is the wrong location. It’s not fair to either the kids or the community.”

Whilst council planning officials have recommended the plans be refused when they go before the largely Labour backed Planning Comittie next week, councillors will have to consider the officer's advice and make a decision based on planning law, local policy, and any representations made by the public or applicant.

If refused, its claimed the applicant will still have the right to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate where the decision by the council (if refused) could either be upheld, or overturned on appeal.

This is not the first time Hartlepool Borough Council's wrestled with controversial applications for children's homes. The lack of proper consultation and the increasing reliance on converting standard houses into care facilities continues to cause significant community unease, with claims a further two properties with proposals to be converted into children's homes are likely to be put before the councils planning committee in the not too distant future. .

It raises important questions: Are these homes being placed where support infrastructure is weakest?

Are private operators putting profit before placement suitability?

And why is Hartlepool seemingly a target location for out-of-area care providers?