Hartlepool Firms Hazardous Substances Plan Approved Despite Local Concerns..
- teessidetoday
- Oct 22
- 2 min read
The plans were approved, ten months after they were originally submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council albeit with some concerns raised by a local town councillor.
22nd October 2025
Just over ten months after plans were first submitted, Hartlepool Borough Council has now approved a Hartlepool Firms application to amend its hazardous substances use licence — a decision that drew concern from at least one town Ward councillor.
The company, based on the Tees Works Road on the outskirts of Hartlepool, originally lodged the proposals back in 2024 under planning reference H/2024/0291. The application sought permission to adjust the inventory of hazardous substances stored and used on-site.
At the time, it was unclear whether the move would spark any public objections — but given the company’s past record, local unease was almost inevitable given the firms proximity to a local housing estate. .
Residents living nearby had reportedly previously raised complaints over what they described as “pungent” and “overpowering” odours coming from the facility. Some locals claimed that during certain times of day, particularly in hot weather, the smell was so strong that they were unable to open their windows or enjoy their gardens.
Sources at the time told the local Group Hartlepool Borough Council Exposed that during earlier planning applications, local's expressed frustration that little had been done to tackle the issue, despite repeated assurances. Similar complaints had also been made about other nearby industrial sites, including Seaton Meadows landfill, with residents describing the experience as a constant battle to decide “which smell is worse.”
In 2021, under its previous trading name, the company submitted a part-retrospective application to the council to build an amenity building and odour control module — an apparent attempt to resolve some of these issues. That application, despite drawing numerous objections, was ultimately approved by councillors back in 2022, albeit with conditions attached.
The newly approved plans appear to have followed a similar path albeit with some cautious scrutiny, but eventual consent. At least one councillor for the towns Seaton Ward is understood to have voiced reservations about the potential risks and community impact, though council officials looking at the planning application eventually backed the proposals which were decided upon this week. .
At the time of writing, The Teesside & Durham Post has not been able to confirm which specific substances are covered under the revised hazardous substances licence. However, given the site’s history and its location near residential areas, questions are already being raised about how the council intends to monitor compliance and enforce odour controls going forward.
While the council insists that safety standards have been met and that environmental conditions will be attached, many locals are once again left wondering whether the promises of oversight will translate into real-world action — or whether they’ll soon be having to shut their windows again.
Read our previous article here.....
