Former Offices Could Be Turned Into Apartments Under Plans Submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council.

Former Raby Road Offices Could Become New Homes Under Plans Set to be Considered By Hartlepool Borough Council.

Plans Submitted to Turn Raby Road Offices into Two Flats Set to Be Considered by Council Planning Officials.

6th Feb 2026

Plans have been submitted to convert the first and second floors of a former office building on Raby Road, Hartlepool, into two self-contained residential apartments, in a move the applicant claims reflects both national planning policy and growing local demand for smaller homes.

The application, prepared by Anderson Ellis Architecture of Acklam on behalf of the property owner, propose a conversion of the existing office space into two self contained apartments. The building is said to have previously been used as offices, but the applicant now seeks permission to change the use of the upper floors into two flats, with all proposed works confined to the interior of the property.

In the planning statement accompanying the application, architect Bernard Nixon argues the proposal aligns with the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework, which places a presumption in favour of sustainable development and encourages the reuse of previously developed land. He notes the framework expects local planning authorities to take a positive approach to development that supports housing supply, while also having regard to design, neighbour amenity and the character of the surrounding area.

Neighbour impact is said to have been addressed directly in the submission, where due to no external alterations are proposed, its claimed the development would not result in overshadowing, overbearing effects, or any significant loss of light or privacy to adjacent properties. Refuse storage would be accommodated within the existing rear yard.

No on-site parking is proposed as part of the scheme, but the applicant argues that the immediate area is well served by public transport, reducing the need for dedicated spaces.

The application will now be considered by Hartlepool Borough Council, with the key issues likely to centre on the principle of residential conversion, neighbour amenity and any highways implications and a decision on the plans by planning chiefs is expected around April 2026.