Planning Inspectorate Overrules Council on Controversial HMO Plan...
- teessidetoday
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
Councillors rejected the plans when they went before a council committee last year, its now understood the Governments Planning Inspectorate has overruled the councils decision...
23rd March 2025
Plans to convert a large family home in Hartlepool’s Grange Road into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) have been given the green light after an appeal to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate overturned Hartlepool Borough Council’s initial refusal.
The decision has sparked fears that more controversial HMO developments could now be on the way, further changing the landscape of residential areas in the town.
HBC Exposed first reported in November last year that Hartlepool Borough Council had rejected the application, citing concerns about overcrowding, increased strain on local amenities, and inadequate waste management plans. The council argued that the large town-centre property was unsuitable for conversion and that such a development could negatively impact the surrounding area.
However, it wasn’t just the council that opposed the plans. Local residents were also said to have raised strong objections to the plans, with three formal objections submitted against the proposal, with the vast majority of the concerns relating to the fear that another HMO in the area would lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour, an already growing issue in Hartlepool’s Victoria Ward where the property is located.
Despite these concerns, the appeal lodged by Carwood House Ltd has now been successful., with Government’s Planning Inspectorate ruling that Hartlepool Borough Council’s decision to reject the plans was ‘flawed,’ paving the way for the development to proceed. At the time of this publication, it remains uncertain whether Hartlepool Borough Council will be liable for the applicant’s costs, adding further controversy to the matter.
What Does This Decision Mean for Hartlepool?
The ruling has reportedly set a precedent that could encourage further applications for HMO conversions across Hartlepool. With rising demand for affordable housing, developers are said to be increasingly looking at larger properties to convert into multi-occupancy residences. However, as seen in Victoria Ward, these plans often face resistance from local communities who fear the potential consequences of such developments, including increased crime, parking shortages, and reduced property values.
Hartlepool has already seen an alarming increase in HMO properties, with many arguing that they contribute to social issues rather than alleviating any housing shortages. The concern now is that this successful appeal could potentially now open the floodgates for more developers to challenge council refusals, leading to further HMO conversions despite local opposition.
What do you think ?
Does Hartlepool have too many HMO's (Houses of Multiple Occupation) ?
YES
NO
