Boost in bid to open new Hartlepool bar on site of former pub

An application is to go before Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee next week to convert a vacant unit in Warrior Drive, Seaton Carew, into a “drinking establishment with food provision”.

The site was previously part of the former Schooner public house building before plans were approved in 2017 to divide the site into separate units.

The land is now home to a One Shop retail store and a micro pub along with the vacant “unit 4”.

Proposals from Mike O’Beirne, from Seaton Carew, which will go before councillors on Wednesday, December 15, state the unit is currently allocated for retail but has remained vacant since the Schooner site was converted.

A report from council planning officer Stephanie Bell ahead of the meeting is recommending the proposals are approved.

In her report, she said: “It is acknowledged that vacant units can have an adverse impact on the vitality and viability of an area.

“There are economic benefits as a result of the unit being brought back into an appropriate use.

“It is further considered that the proposal would not result in significant adverse impacts on the amenity or privacy of neighbouring land users or adverse visual impacts.”

Planning documents state the new establishment would create three new full-time jobs and six new part-time roles, while the site would be able to open from 11am to 11.30pm seven days a week.

A design and access statement, submitted on behalf of the applicant, outlines how the proposals would benefit the area.

It said: “The applicant plans to operate the premises as a ‘quality’ bar with food service. The standard of interior fit-out will endorse this.

“The unit will be used as an open plan public bar area with a bar servery, a kitchen, an office and toilet provisions.”

To date three objections have been submitted raising concerns over potential noise nuisance, anti-social behaviour and traffic issues, noting there is already a micropub adjacent.

Eight letters of support have also been submitted, arguing it would be a “positive” community facility, businesses “need to be supported in the current climate” and there is a history of pubs operating at the site.