Plans Revealed for Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Former Restaurant in Hartlepool...
- teessidetoday
- Dec 12
- 3 min read
The former Restaurant, left derelict for around a decade could be brought back into use, as a Mixed Use Development according to plans seen by The Teesside & Durham Post..
12th December 2025
A planning application to bring an 'eyesore' building back into which has been a blot on the towns landscape for over a decade has been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council...
The former Wok Inn, located at 245 West View Road, Hartlepool, is a site that has remained empty and unused for some time leading to the premises being repeatedly targeted by vandals & at least one Arson Attack, which significantly damaged the property.
According to the Design Statement supporting the application, the applicant MR FATEH SINGH RANDHAWA through his planning agent proposes to convert the existing brownfield site into a mixed-use development, combining commercial units with residential accommodation...
From Eyesore to Active Use
The building, which occupies a prominent position on Hartlepool's West View Road, is described in the planning documents as empty and derelict, and increasingly viewed as an eyesore within the local community. The applicant argues that bringing the building back into use would enhance the area and remove a property that is currently contributing nothing to the street scene..
The site, covering approximately 807 square metres and is classified as brownfield land, aligning with national planning policy that prioritises redevelopment of previously used sites in sustainable locations rather than building on greenfield land. The plans outline a conversion of the property rather than demolition, with the existing structure retained and refurbished. The development would reportedly include Five ground-floor commercial units, designed for mixed-use purposes, A large first-floor residential dwelling intended to house the applicant and their family, An independent stairway providing separate access to the residential accommodation, as well as the potential for future commercial expansion within the building block...
The commercial units are described as flexible in nature, with final uses to be determined following discussions with prospective tenants. However, the statement indicates likely uses could include a general goods store and a hot food takeaway similar to proposals which have been approved in the conversion of the former Saxon Hotel in Hartlepool's Easington Road...
Redevelopment "will be Tasteful"
In terms of appearance, the applicant states that the redevelopment will be “tasteful” and in keeping with the surrounding area.
The design includes: External walls finished in a mix of brickwork and render, retention and repair of the existing roof, with new extension roofs to match, Grey uPVC windows & Black uPVC rainwater goods.
The emphasis, according to the statement, is said to be on refurbishment rather than radical alteration of the building, ensuring it continues to sit comfortably within the existing streetscape, with the application stating that on-site parking will be provided to serve the commercial units, delivery vehicles, and the residential occupiers.
The applicant argues that the proposal, will re-use a derelict building bringing it back into function as a Mixed Use Property, as well as providing housing without increasing pressure on greenfield land & Has “zero adverse impact” on the locality...
As with all planning applications, the final decision will rest with Hartlepool Borough Council sometime in the new year, with residents no doubt keen to see the building brought back into use as well as its long-term impact on West View Road.
Similar developments have been looked at 'favourably' by the local council, in a move many see as a positive step forward in allowing developers actively looking towards bringing some of Hartlepool's decaying buildings back into use...
