Controversial 12-Bedroom HMO Approved Despite Public Concern
- teessidetoday
- Mar 13
- 2 min read
Plans to convert the former social club into a 12 bedroomed House of Multiple Occupation approved nearly a year after they were submitted, despite receiving nearly 60 objections from the local community....
13th March 2025
A former social club in Hartlepool has had its plans for conversion into a 12-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) approved, despite considerable objections received over the plans.
Back in April 2024, HBC Exposed reported that Ascend Property Ltd had submitted plans to transform the former NALGO Social Club on Westbourne Road—which closed in January 2023—into an HMO. However, due to the number of objections the council received from local residents, its said the application had to go before town councillors for a final decision nearly a year later.
In their application in support of the development, Ascend Property Ltd insisted that special care had been taken to ensure each bedroom met the council’s HMO guidelines, with the property designed to cater to young professionals, saying the project would "breathe new life" into the building while respecting its existing structure.
According to the plans, each bedroom will have its own en-suite, and residents will have access to large communal spaces. The property will also feature a waste store, cycle storage, and ample parking at the rear.
Public Backlash Over Parking, Noise, and Anti-Social Behaviour
Despite the developers' claims, residents weren’t convinced, with around 60 objections lodged against the proposal, with concerns ranging from parking shortages and noise, to fears of increased anti-social behaviour.
However, despite these objections, council officers recommended the plans be approved, and the planning committee this week voted in favour of the development at this week's meeting, meaning this decision has given the green light to yet another controversial HMO adding to the growing number of similar properties being sprouted up across the town—many of which residents argue are neither wanted or even needed.
