Former Hartlepool nightclub Scarlets to become new venue - with student rooms above

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year to develop the former Scarlets in Church Street in the town.

The plans from Mr Kareem and Mr Jaber stated they want to convert the ground floor and basement into a cafe bistro, while the upper floors would be used for student accommodation.

Council planning officers have confirmed they have approved the plans, adding no objections had been received to the development.

The first floor is to have a lounge, kitchen and seven student bedrooms, while the second floor will offer seven student studios.

The plans also include a new shop front at the site and a replacement roof for the building.

A heritage, design and access statement previously submitted on behalf of the applicant stated the plans would provide a boost to the historic area of the town.

It said: "By introducing sleeping student accommodation to the upper floors the building is given new life with an appropriate use.

"The ground level commercial entity is important to the vitality of the area.

"The open plan nature at ground floor level, location of the existing bar and ancillary facilities all lend themselves to the proposed cafe use.

"The proposal to refurbish the fabric of the building and restore the traditional shopfront design will have a beneficial impact on the architectural integrity and heritage retention."

Planning documents state the cafe is to create four full-time and eight part-time jobs and would be open from 8am until 11pm seven days a week.

The student accommodation is also to create one full-time and two part-time jobs, according to the plans.

A report from senior council planning officer Jane Tindall said the proposals will have a positive impact on the area.

She said: "The site is within a sustainable location within the urban core of the town centre and close to amenities.

"The proposal will bring back into use a vacant building, with extensive refurbishment works to a prominent locally listed building.

"In conclusion, it is considered on balance that the application is acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations, and in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018."

The proposals will be in line with the regeneration of Church Street and Church Square, which has seen millions of pounds of investment in recent years.

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