Plans unveiled for two new Hartlepool HMOs next door to each other
Plans have been lodged to provide two new five bed houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in properties located next door to each other.
Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department to carry out the works at 22 and 24 Kilwick Street.
The lawful development certificate applications from Matthew Schmolke, at H&S Residential Assets, are seeking to secure confirmation that the specific use of each home as a HMO is lawful under planning regulations.
The proposals show each HMO would include five en-suite bedrooms across three floors with the ground floor of each property including communal kitchen and dining/living areas.
Each house has previously been used as a family home and work as part of the schemes would include internal alterations.
Decisions are expected to be made on the applications in July.
It comes after earlier this year plans were approved for a new six bed HMO at 9 Kilwick Street – despite concerns being raised by police.
A response to that application from a Cleveland Police representative noted HMOs “bring specific issues simply due to concentrating more single adults” into a property and the “often-transient nature of its residents”.
They added: “The introduction of a HMO at this location has the potential to increase vulnerability, demand, and risk within an already pressured policing environment.”
Meanwhile, in September last year plans were also approved to convert nearby 14 Kilwick Street into another six-bed HMO.
A council committee heard in March more than four in five Hartlepool residents are supportive of new measures to help control the number of HMOs in the borough – which could come in later this year.