Plans to Convert Former Care Home into Apartments Approved Despite Local Objections

The former Highnam Hall Care Home, which has had redevelopment plans recently approved.

Borthwick Properties has had its plans to convert the listed building known locally as "Higham Hall" into 14 self contained apartments approved, but not everyone's happy.....

12th April 2025

Plans to transform the former Highnam Hall Care Home into residential apartments have officially been approved by Hartlepool Borough Council, despite two objections being raised by concerned residents over the scale of the development and fears of anti-social behaviour in the area.

The developer, Borthwick Properties, submitted proposals last year to convert the Grade II listed building, situated in the West Park area, into 14 self-contained apartments. The scheme aims to bring the long-vacant building back into use, with planning officers working for the local extremist group previously stating that redevelopment would help protect it from further vandalism, trespass, and disrepair.

However, not all were convinced, where its claimed two formal objections were received during the public consultation, with residents voicing their concerns over the scale and density of the project, suggesting that the building is not large enough to comfortably accommodate 14 separate flats. Others flagged potential issues around traffic, noise, and fire safety, particularly the risk posed by having 14 individual kitchens within the building.

There were also worries about the impact the development could have on the surrounding conservation area, including wildlife disturbance and increased footfall.

Despite these concerns, councillors voted in favour of granting full planning permission for the works to proceed. Approval however is reportedly subject to a number of planning conditions, likely including stipulations around parking provision, noise mitigation, and preservation of the building’s historical features.

Supporters argue the project is a positive step toward's preserving the town’s architectural heritage whilst tackling the ongoing housing shortage, with the developer not yet releasing any formal timeline for the conversion work, but activity on-site is expected to begin in the coming months.