Plans to convert a house into a residential care home for up to three young people have won council backing.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee has approved plans for the scheme for young people aged 7-18 at 18 Dunston Road.

The application was made by independent care provider Resicare Alliance Limited, which said it “prides itself on ensuring the homes they provide are welcoming and warm places to live which encourage young people to flourish and grow”.

The plans went before the borough council’s planning committee on July 16 and were approved.

New plans have been lodged to transform 18 Dunston Road, in Hartlepool, into a home for up to three looked-after young people.

placeholder image — New plans have been lodged to transform 18 Dunston Road, in Hartlepool, into a home for up to three looked-after young people.

A Resicare Alliance representative told the committee that the company operated children’s homes across England and had “built a strong reputation for delivering high quality care.”

It was noted that the site was suitable for the proposed use, and would help meet a demand for local residential placements in Hartlepool, allowing young people to remain closer to schools and support networks.

During a council public consultation on the plans, there were 16 letters of objection raising a range of concerns.

They included changes to the character of the area, increased “comings and goings”, noise and disturbance impacts, “community cohesion”, traffic issues and more.

But Councillor Sue Little noted several children’s home applications had gone before the planning committee in recent months and said it was “appalling that we have to keep on having these discussions”.

Cllr Little added: “I know there’s a [planning use] change but if it was a foster home, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.

“I need to say it because these are our children and we’re all corporate parents.”

A planning statement in support of the application outlined how the scheme aims to provide a “family home” for the young people, with the carers “essentially fulfilling a parental role”.

It was noted that staff would be present on a shift basis, plus a manager at times, along with additional car parking proposed at the front of the property.

The planning approval comes after an initial lawful development certificate application for the property from Resicare Alliance Limited was refused last year.

A report from council planners at the time noted the applicant “failed to demonstrate that the proposed use would not constitute a material change”.