Redevelopment of a listed building into 14 apartments set to go before council committee for a decision...

Borthwick Properties is looking to convert the listed building known locally as "Higham Hall" into 14 self contained apartments, but the plans have already attracted objections.

28th November 2024

Plans submitted to bring a Grade II listed building back into use as apartments is set to be decided upon by local town councillors, after the plans received a number of objections from the local community.

Borthwick Properties submitted plans to Hartlepool Borough Council last year for the change of use of the former Highnam Hall Care Home in the West Park area of the town into 14 self contained apartments. The plans, intended to bring the building back into use appeared favourable to the local council, where its claimed the proposals would bring the building back into use and reduce any risks of the building succumbing to vandalism or disrepair. However the plans come up against four objections, (the number onto which the plans would need to be put before councillors at a committee) to be decided.

According to reports, primary concerns raised by those who've objected to the plans relate to concerns about the size of the building being insufficient to accommodate 14 separate self contained flats & that there would also be an increased fire risk associated with 14 kitchens installed in the premises, further concerns reportedly relate to the increase in traffic the new development would create, as well as noise & the impact on the conservation area such as wildlife.

Despite the concerns laid out by locals in their objections to the plans, Hartlepool Borough Councils planning officers are reportedly recommending the proposals be given the green light when they go before councillors on the 4th December 2024, subject to a number of planning conditions being attached with the development.