Council Pushes Ahead with New Children’s Home, Despite Local Opposition....
- teessidetoday
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
The plans were approved despite over 40 objections, with many claiming the local council failed to properly consult them on the proposals.
15th April 2025
Plans by Hartlepool Borough Council to open a council-run children’s home on a quiet residential street in the town have been approved this week—despite receiving over 40 objections from local residents.
In a somewhat controversial move, Hartlepool Borough Council applying to itself for a lawful development certificate sought to change the use of a former five bedroomed family home on Fenton Road into a residential care home for children in care. The application reportedly sparked concerns from neighbours who've argued the decision was pushed through without proper public consultation.
In addition to the allegations of a lack of consultation with locals, its claimed further objections were raised over the lack of transparency and resident engagement by Hartlepool Borough Council before the decision was made, the potential for anti-social behaviour in the area, a change to the character of a quiet residential street & the impact on neighbouring properties.
Despite the objections raised by locals, Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department chose to approve the application, with the decision leaving many questioning whether public input is being taken seriously by the local council which in 2023 was declared an authority of no public confidence, particularly when the applicant and the decision-maker are one and the same—raising significant concerns regarding impartiality and accountability.
In a supporting statement, the Council defended its plans, stating:
“Hartlepool Borough Council prides itself on ensuring that our homes are welcoming and warm places to live which encourage young people to flourish and grow by undertaking education, hobbies and leisure activities... we have aspirations for children in our care, and they are looked after to a very high standard. Our approach is favoured by Ofsted, who have judged all of our residential settings as good.”
The proposed home is expected to house three young people, who will each have their own bedroom and share the rest of the house as they would in a traditional family setting. The Council describes the property as a “family home” where children will engage in typical daily routines—going to school, doing household chores, and participating in community life. The home will be staffed by a team operating on a shift basis, with at least two staff members on-site overnight. During the day, there will always be staff present when the children are home.
Its like the Hill View Greatham Housing Development Saga all over again....
Whilst the Council insists this model mirrors a family home and is vital to providing local care placements, some local residents argue the process has once again sidestepped public accountability and that the objections raised have fallen on deaf ears, very much as the situation was during the controversial Hill View Housing Development of 2020, which seen scores of objections by local villagers & was controversially approved by Hartlepool Borough Council applying to itself for planning permission, sparking what led to the areas local parish councils petitioning the local council in a no confidence motion.
The Fenton Road Children's Home development raises broader questions over how Hartlepool Borough Council engages with residents, particularly on decisions that directly affect neighbourhoods, with critics claiming local councils should not be able to grant itself planning permission without full transparency and scrutiny, however for now, the Council's unilateral decision-making has left many residents feeling ignored & in some cases 'angry'.....
