Two HMO plans in same Hartlepool streets are approved despite police fears

Two new five-bedroom HMOs can be created in a Hartlepool street despite police warning they pose a “clear and significant” risk to the community.

Hartlepool Borough Council has approved applications confirming the conversion of 22 and 24 Kilwick Street into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) is lawful under planning rules.

Cleveland Police objected to both schemes, arguing they could increase crime, anti-social behaviour and pressure on local policing, while warning the developments, alongside another recently approved HMO in the street, risked changing the area’s character and placing further strain on what it described as a “fragile community”.

However, council planning officers said the applications were for certificates of lawful development rather than planning permission, meaning the proposed change of use and internal alterations did not require formal planning consent.

The authority subsequently granted both certificates.

Cleveland Police had said the HMOs presented “clear and significant risks relating to vulnerability, crime, anti-social behaviour, policing demand, community cohesion, and cumulative impact”.

The police had argued the development was inappropriate for this location, risked undermining ongoing policing operations, and should be refused “in the interests of public safety, community wellbeing, and responsible urban planning.”

Council planners said that given the nature of the applications, comments from police had been “relayed to the applicant directly and are not discussed further in the report.”

They added that the applications “would not require an application for planning permission in order to change the use of the property, nor would the proposed internal alterations” and concluded a certificate of lawful development (proposed use) should be granted.

The property at 22 Kilwick Street will have a communal dining room, utility room, kitchen and one bedroom at ground floor level, two en-suite bedrooms at first floor level, and two en-suite bedrooms in the loft level.

Meanwhile, 24 Kilwick Street will also have a communal dining room, kitchen and one en-suite bedroom at ground floor level, two en-suite bedrooms at first floor level, and two en-suite bedrooms in the loft level.

Council decision reports for both applications state “matters of crime, fear of crime and anti-social behaviour” were considered in detail and that the plans were acceptable on balance.