Hartlepool Children's Home Proposals Refused...

Dunston Rd, Hartlepool..

Plans had been submitted for the lawful development change of use of a family home into a children's home for up to three looked after children, but council officials have thrown out the plans this week.

12th November 2025

Plans to convert a family home in Hartlepool into a children’s home for up to three looked-after children have been refused by Hartlepool Borough Council this week.

The proposal, which sought a Certificate of Lawful Development for 18 Dunston Road, aimed to change the property’s use from a family dwelling to a small residential care home. However, planning officers rejected the application, stating that the applicant had failed to provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the change of use would be lawful.

In its decision notice, the council said:

“In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed development would be lawful. Accordingly, it is considered by the Local Planning Authority that the application for a Certificate of Lawful Development could not reasonably be granted.”

The application had received two objections from local residents, raising concerns about potential noise and a change in the character of the area if the plans were approved.

Despite the limited number of objections, council officials concluded that the supporting evidence submitted by the applicant did not meet the legal threshold required for a lawful development certificate, effectively blocking the proposal.

This decision comes just weeks after councillors unanimously rejected another children’s home proposal — this time on Brenda Road — following widespread local opposition. That scheme was refused due to concerns over highway safety and the impact on the surrounding community, with Labour councillor Carole Thompson describing the location as “possibly the worst place you could think to put a house with a child.”

The latest refusal highlights growing public and political scrutiny over the spread of small-scale children’s homes in residential areas across Hartlepool.