Plans to transform empty Hartlepool shop into new 'restaurant and takeaway'

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to transform 130 Oxford Road.

The application from a Mr R Nadeem seeks to open a “mixed use restaurant and takeaway” at the premises which “has been vacant since the summer with no firm interest”.

A planning statement in support of the proposals notes the development would “create 5/6 full-time jobs” and provide a “realistic use that would deliver significant local economic benefits”.

It said: “These types of uses are essential for communities, providing a platform for local businesses and fostering economic growth.

“These contributions underscore the importance of the hospitality sector in the UK economy, highlighting its role in job creation, tax revenue, business investment and community engagement.

“There have been several retail businesses come and go from this property, but all have struggled to continue to be profitable.”

It adds the proposals would bring back into use a vacant building and “increase the diversity of uses available” within the parade of shops in Oxford Road where it is located.

There would be no external alterations to the front of the property as part of the scheme other than new signs being installed.

The proposed floor plan shows the premises would have four tables, each with four seats, and a further table with two seats in a “waiting area”.

The application states the scheme “would not have any significant adverse impact on neighbour amenity or highways safety”.

The proposed opening hours are 11am-10pm daily.

A decision is expected to be made on the application in February 2026.