Hartlepool Borough Council could give the go-ahead today for the Heugh Breakwater, on the Headland, to be granted the protection order.



If the decision is approved, it would boost the importance of the 138-year-old structure within the character of the area.

However, in a letter to the council, PD Ports oppose the plans and say they do not have any record of being consulted about the proposal and also fear any maintenance costs could impact on their business.



They say the breakwater is not relevant to the safe operation of the modern commercial port and propose that the council take future responsibility for it, but acknowledge that a harbour revision order would be required for this.

Port bosses also warn the council that any possible increase in costs for maintenance of the breakwater, imposed on PD Ports would have to be passed onto port users, including commercial, fishing and leisure users.

Martyn Pellew, group development director at PD Ports, states in his letter:"The imposition of added costs on commercial port users could seriously endanger current local employment."

However, a report to a meeting of the council's regeneration and liveability portfolio, compiled by Peter Scott, the council's director of regeneration and planning, says the proposal would not convey any statutory power to enforce a particular level of repair and maintenance to the breakwater.

The report says that public consultation has been carried out into the proposal and the breakwater was considered "one of the main landmarks of the Headland".

Mr Pellew has asked the council to provide written assurance that if the designation of conservation status proceeds, the council will be responsible for any and all additional duties and costs that might arise.

He adds: "In the absence of this written assurance we protest most strongly that PD Ports does NOT wish that the breakwater be included."

He also says only 167 questionnaires out of 3,000 were returned by residents, over half were from outside the conservation area and only 10 people said they wanted the proposal to go ahead.

"There is therefore very little call for change," adds Mr Pellew.

Council chiefs will meet today to discuss the proposal and a verbal update is expected regarding the implications on the port.