Plans for New Children’s Home in Hartlepool set to be decided by Council Committee...

72 Brenda Rd, Hartlepool

The property in Hartlepool's Brenda Road has a proposed change of use from a family home to a children's home, however the plans have attracted a number of objections.

9th October 2025

Plans for the change of use of a property in Hartlepool's Brenda Road, have sparked local concern, with the plans now having to go before a council Planning Committee to be decided upon.

The application — submitted by Jennifer Nyesom and represented by Rhemua Design — seeks permission to change the mid-terrace, three-bedroom property into a (children’s residential care home) for the care of one looked-after child aged 11 to 18.

According to documents set to be presented to Hartlepool Borough Council’s Planning Committee on the 15th October 2025, the property would operate with two carers on rotating 12-hour shifts, alongside a manager who would be on-site during weekday hours. No external alterations to the building are proposed, and the home would provide accommodation for a child with mild to moderate emotional and behavioural needs.

The proposal's have reportedly seen five formal objections received from four nearby households, prompting the matter to be referred to the councils planning committee, with objectors raising a number of issues, including the suitability of the location in a quiet residential street, Safety and behavioural concerns, particularly regarding the impact on neighbouring elderly and disabled residents, Potential increases in traffic and parking issues from staff shift changes and professional visitors. Additional concerns raised were the potential loss of a family home, with worries it could alter the area’s residential character, Noise and disturbance from staff and visitors & fears about property devaluation and setting a precedent for more similar homes in the area;

Several objections also cited lack of proper consultation, with residents claiming they were not adequately informed about the plans before the proposal went public.

Despite the opposition, its claimed council departments and statutory consultees have raised no formal objections to the plans, with HBC Children’s Services expressing support for the plans, stating they “hope to work together to provide a home for local children.”. HBC Public Protection and Cleveland Police also offered no objections, though the police recommended following “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” guidelines and the Secured by Design initiative to minimise potential safety concerns.

The plans are likely to be approved despite public concerns

Planning officers acknowledged the concerns about crime, safety, and the local environment but concluded the property would function in a similar manner to a typical family home, with the report noting that the fear of crime alone cannot form a basis for refusal without clear evidence.

Officers therefore are recommending the application be approved when councillors meet next week, stating it meets the criteria of the Hartlepool Local Plan and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).