Children's home plan approved for former Hartlepool guest house at Seaton Carew
Plans to convert a vacant guest house into accommodation for young people in need of care have been backed by Hartlepool councillors.
The borough council’s planning committee this month approved plans for 19 The Green, in Seaton Carew, which was previously home to Altonlea Lodge Guest House.
It added the independent care provider “prides itself on ensuring the homes they provide are welcoming and warm places to live which encourage children to flourish and grow by undertaking education, hobbies and leisure activities”.
During a council consultation exercise on the plans, there were objection comments from four properties and five letters of objection from “individuals of no known address.”
Concerns listed in a council report included noise and disturbance issues, negative impacts on the character of the area and the plans “exacerbating” existing local parking and highway issues.
Council planning officers recommended the children’s home for approval and said it would “not give rise to adverse impacts upon the visual amenity, neighbour amenity, highway safety or any other planning matter, including safety and security”.
Donna Varley-Turner, the chief executive of Resicare Alliance, told the planning committee the company had 12 operating children’s homes across England and a “strong reputation for the quality of care we provide for vulnerable children centred around the skilled and capable staff we employ”.
The applicant added there was a council demand for “good-quality care provision for Hartlepool children” and stressed the company had 24/7 staffing and a “neighbourhood policy” to address any future community complaints.
Seaton ward councillor, Leisa Smith, speaking in support at the planning meeting, said the application would not extend the site and represented the “same building being used in a slightly different way”.
Cllr Smith added the children’s home use would prevent the “beautiful” listed building falling into disrepair, while “securing its future” and providing a home for “vulnerable young people who need somewhere safe and stable to live.”
After being put to the vote, the change of use was unanimously approved by the planning committee.