Controversial Hartlepool HMO plans due for approval in 'lovely property'

Proposals were lodged earlier this year to convert the property at 50 Grange Road from a six-bed HMO to a larger eight-bed HMO.

HMOs refer to properties such as a house split into separate bedsits, a shared house/flat or a hostel.

However seven objections have been submitted over the plans, raising concerns over potential antisocial behaviour and the development being ‘detrimental’ to the character of the area.

The proposals from Code Property Developments, based in Darlington, will now go before Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee next week for a decision to be made.

Ahead of the meeting a report from council planning officer Stephanie Bell has recommended the proposals are approved by councillors.

She said: “It is considered that the principle of the proposed change of use to a large HMO is acceptable.

“It is considered that the proposal would not give rise to adverse impacts upon the visual amenity (including impacting upon the Conservation Area), neighbour amenity, highway safety, community safety or any other planning matter.”

This comes despite more than half a dozen objections being submitted to the council on the plans, including concerns over an increasing number of HMOs, parking issues and potential antisocial behaviour.

One Milton Road resident said: “The area is going downhill as more and more of these lovely properties are turned into bedsits/contained flats.

“At present and for a long time the parking areas outside of most of the adjoining streets are already overcrowded which will/could cause possible restrictions for emergency services.

However a design and access statement from Planning House, on behalf of the applicant, states the plans will benefit the area.

It said: “The proposed development maintains the residential use of the property and is complementary to the character of the surrounding residential area.

“The site is a sustainable location in terms of access to local services and facilities and public transport.

“The proposed change of use would also not result in a detrimental impact upon the visual or residential amenity of the local area, highways safety or flood risk.”

Plans state although there is no off-street parking proposed for the site, it is expected new residents will be unlikely to own cars, which is ‘typical of those residing in HMOs in the area’.

The proposed layout for the site is for the ground floor to feature communal facilities, including a kitchen, living room and bathroom, along with two double bedrooms, one which would feature an en-suite.

The first floor would include two double bedrooms, one with en-suite, one single bedroom and bathroom facilities, while the second floor would also have two double rooms and a single bedroom.

A decision will be made at the council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, August 19, from 9.30am.

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