Labour-Led Council Faces Public Backlash Over Conservation Area Plans....

Town councillors met last week to discuss a report aimed at addressing concerns relating to the towns "at risk" conservation areas, however the meeting soon turned 'sour' after members of the public voiced their anger at proceedings.

3rd December 2024

An extraordinary council meeting held last week aimed at addressing Historic England's concerns regarding a number of "at risk" areas of the town descended into chaos, as Hartlepool residents in the councils public gallery voiced their anger over claims the Labour-led Council "is ignoring local concerns".

The meeting was said to have been called after new management plans for The Headland and Seaton Carew conservation areas were approved by the Labour council’s Adult and Community Services Committee, sparking concerns over its impact on local residents living in homes that reside within the towns so called 'conservation areas'.....

The report highlights the Headland & Seaton Carew as "at risk" according to Historic England

The new plans aimed to address concerns raised by Historic England, which deemed both The Headland and Seaton Carew conservation areas as “at risk.”

According to Hartlepool Borough Council, the measures were designed to ensure the “preservation and enhancement” of these historic locations, but man members of the public feel the plans will only add yet another layer of bureaucracy to whats said to be already "impossible" hurdles when applying to the local council to improve the energy efficiency of homes residing within the conservation area.

Plans which are simply "out of touch with reality" critics claim....

A number of locals have been served with enforcement action simply because they used the "wrong materials" in the replacement of sash windows in certain areas further fuelling hostility towards the local council

Critics however have argued that the plans are simply "out of touch with the realities faced by local residents". Among the contentious points was said to be the council’s reported opposition to modern materials being used in homes that reside within conservation areas, such as uPVC windows, which are often more affordable and energy-efficient being fitted to homes within those conservation areas than traditional timber frames.

Independent Headland Ward Councilor Shane Moore claimed one local resident was facing a £30k bill to replace the rotten windows in their home....

Independent Headland Ward Councillor Shane Moore highlighted the financial burden these rules impose, claiming a local resident faced a £30,000 bill for replacing rotting timber windows that were causing condensation and mould.....

The public were refused the opportunity to address councillors in public & on record !

Despite the council’s insistence on the importance of public input, local residents said to have been affected by the plans who attended the meeting last week were reportedly not given the opportunity to address the full council during the meeting & on public record. This exclusion stoked a furious response from the public gallery, with some attendees outright accusing Labour councillors shunning democracy...

Labours Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of the Adult Services Committee, attempted to quell the anger, stating: “We are committed to engaging in meaningful conversations with all parties, residents, and other bodies to improve our conservation areas across the town.” However, many locals left unconvinced, even after its claimed councillors offered to stay behind to discuss local concerns individually.

The lessons which sunk Labours previous tenure at HBC have seemingly not been learned & the cracks in Labours hold on HBC are beginning to show...

This latest controversy adds to the mounting troubles reportedly faced by the Labour group, who only took back control of the council in the May 2024 local elections, after unseating the Conservative/Independent coalition that had held control of the council for around five years. Public dissatisfaction with Labour has reportedly grown significantly, with their support taking the biggest hit just months.

A recent by-election, triggered by the resignation of MP Jonathan Brash, saw Labour lose significant ground to Reform UK, fuelling speculation that another election could potentially see Labour lose its majority once again in Hartlepool

The conservation area dispute is said to be emblematic of a broader frustration among Hartlepool residents with their local council. Many believe the strict planning rules governing properties in conservation areas—such as the rejection of uPVC windows—are an unnecessary burden on homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency of their home and reduce costs.

“Hartlepool Council was declared an authority of no public confidence in 2023, and it’s clear they haven’t learned their lesson,” one resident told HBC Exposed this week. “We’re just tired of being ignored on issues time & again.”

As the Labour-led council grapples with growing public backlash, & whats likely to be further public anger when it approves a crippling Council Tax increase to already struggling households in the new year, the question remains whether they will adjust course to regain public trust—or continue down a path that could once again cost them control of the council altogether..