Plans to open new children's care home in Hartlepool are refused
Initial plans to convert a property into a small children's care home for up to four young people have been refused.
Proposals had been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council to transform 2 Granville Avenue.
The lawful development certificate application from charity Changing Futures North East wanted confirmation that the specific use of the home for up to four young people aged 8-18 was lawful under planning regulations.
A supporting statement noted the organisation “prides itself” on providing “welcoming and warm places to live which encourage young people to flourish and grow by undertaking education, hobbies and leisure activities”.
A report from council planning officers has confirmed the proposals have been refused, noting they are of the opinion the scheme would require a separate application for full planning permission.
It added: “The applicant has not provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the proposed development would be lawful.”
Following the refusal, options for the applicant include appealing the decision to the Planning Inspectorate or submitting a new application for full planning permission.
The proposals noted children would have been cared for by a staff team operating on a shift basis, with normally two staff members on-site overnight.
Each young person would have had their own bedroom and shared all other facilities.
The supporting statement added: “Changing Futures North East cares for and about their young people and will offer them the same standard of care and opportunities that they would for their own children.”
Five objections from residents had also been submitted amid concerns around highway safety, on-street parking and a potential increase in noise and anti-social behaviour.
Details of local public notices are available at https://publicnoticeportal.uk/