Town Centre Property previously denied planning permission set for appeal...

Plans initially refused by Hartlepool Borough Council for the conversion of the property into a controversial HMO, now set to go before the Governments Planning Inspectorate ...

25th October 2024

A Town Centre Property, previously denied planning permission for conversion into a controversial House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), is now said to be heading for a showdown at the Government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Carwood House Ltd, the developers behind the proposal, were initially refused permission for the conversion of the large family home by Hartlepool Borough Council back in April 2024, with concerns raised about the potential negative impact on the area.

Hartlepool Borough Council previously argued that converting the large town centre property into an HMO would lead to overcrowding and increase the strain on local amenities. They also cited poor waste management plans as a key reason for rejecting the project.

But it wasn’t just the council said to have been raising concerns. Local residents were far from thrilled with the idea, submitting three formal objections, with many fearing the development could lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour, a growing issue in Hartlepool's Victoria Ward where the property is located.

Carwood House Ltd has now reportedly lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, claiming the council’s decision was unfair. The developers argue that planning officers initially recommended the proposal be approved—only for councillors to reject it after reviewing all the available information. They believe the plans were wrongly dismissed and hope the appeal will overturn the decision.

A final decision is said to be expected either by the end of the year or early 2025....