More HMO's for Hartlepool, but are they really needed ?

Both properties have been approved for re-development by the Un-elected Hartlepool Development Corporation

Locals are said to be becoming increasingly concerned over the number of approved HMO developments given the green light by an unelected dictatorship development corporation that seems to be 'accountable to nobody'....

11th Feb 2025

Hartlepool residents are said to be become increasingly concerned over why town hall chiefs are seemingly so keen in approving so many Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), as two more controversial developments get the green light.

84 York Rd has been granted approval for the upper floors of the building to be converted into a HMO

The Hartlepool Development Corporation (HDC) is now coming under mounting pressure to justify its decision-making process following fresh approvals that have left many wondering—who exactly is set to be housed in these buildings?

The latest HMO approvals at 84 York Road and 42-46 Church Street—the latter formerly an office block serving a local law firm—have reignited long-standing concerns about the sheer volume of HMO developments being granted approval in the town.

Both Hartlepool Borough Council and the unelected Hartlepool Development Corporation have faced growing scrutiny, with fears that these HMOs could be used to house illegal immigrants, an issue that has already caused tensions to reach boiling point in the local community once before...

Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour Concerns

Developers have attempted to quell public anger at the proposed conversion of 42-46 Church Street by claiming the accommodation will be for students.... but few are convinced !

Whilst its claimed no formal public objections were raised when these plans were presented to the Hartlepool Development Corporation board, previous HMO applications have drawn serious concerns from Cleveland Police. Its claimed previous warnings have been raised that poorly managed HMOs can become hotspots for crime and anti-social behaviour, placing additional strain on both the police and the local council who are left having to deal with them, with local residents fearing these latest approvals will only add to the problem, with little reassurance that officials are taking these risks seriously.

HDC’s Growing Controversy

The Hartlepool Development Corporation has already faced heavy criticism for the extraordinary powers it has been granted—allowing it to effectively override local planning objections in favour of its own redevelopment agenda.

Many believe the unelected body is prioritising the interests of wealthy developers over the concerns of Hartlepool residents, turning once-proud historic areas into overcrowded, crime-ridden ghettos.

With confidence in local decision-makers at an all-time low, residents are left asking: Who truly benefits from the rapid expansion of HMOs in Hartlepool? And at what cost to the local community?

Have Your Say !

Should there be a cap on the number of HMO's being granted in Hartlepool ?

• YES
• NO