Consultation Plans to Convert Vacant Church Street Property into 16-Bed HMO approved....

The Consultation Plans put before the Hartlepool Development Corporation could pave the way for yet another House of Multiple Occupation being created, as public anger brews.

1st October 2025

A planning consultation application has been submitted to the Hartlepool Development Corporation to transform part of Church Street into new housing, with proposals to convert the upper floors of 25–27 Church Street into a 16-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

The application, lodged by A. Sewell, sets out proposals to potentially change the long-vacant former public house premises into yet more controversial houses of Multiple Occupation (HMO's)

From Pub to Housing

The three upper floors of the buildings have reportedly stood empty for almost a decade where, according to the application, the property is in “poor and tired condition.”

Under the proposals, they would be combined and converted into 16 individual units designed for single people or couples.

If approved, its claimed the property would provide affordable housing within walking distance of the town centre, Hartlepool College, the Northern School of Art, the Marina, and transport links, however the creation of yet another HMO in the town has sparked debate as to whether the concentration of HMO's in the towns Church Street has reached dangerous levels.

The buildings sit within the Church Street Conservation Area, which is currently listed by Historic England as “Heritage at Risk.” While the property is not officially listed, the developers claim the scheme will help preserve and enhance the Victorian terrace, which dates back to the mid-19th century.

The Plans include:

• Installing two new dormer windows to match existing ones.

• Repainting and repairing the front façade.

• Replacing old windows with modern double glazing to combat noise from nearby late-night venues.

• Removing old satellite dishes, broken lighting, and clutter from the rear elevation.

• Installing a new external staircase and bin storage area.

  
  

The applicant argues these works will restore some of the area’s character while making the building fit for modern residential use.

Tackling Long-Term Vacancy

A planning assessment back in 2016 described Church Street as being dominated by vacant properties and a declining daytime economy, issues which have worsened in recent years.

The applicants state that converting the property into housing is the only viable investment to bring it back into use, adding that the project reflects the street’s original mixed-use character of shops below with housing above.

Now the consultation plans have been approved 'in principle, the scheme could add more residential accommodation in the town, however th increasing dominance of HMO's in just one area is leading to claims the towns bid to bring such developments to an end via whats known as Article 4 Directions is sparking calls for the plans to be accelerated as more & more properties get carved up into controversial HMO housing.