Couple withdraw bid to convert former Hartlepool post office into funeral parlour

Proposals were recently submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department for the change of use of the former Greatham post office at 4a Woodbine Terrace, which closed in 2019.

Applicant Leisha Hodgson, who has lived in the village since 2014, wanted to provide a funeral directors at the site with her husband Paul, which would have included converting the existing garage into a mortuary.

Yet around 75 objections have already been submitted to the council planning department raising concerns over whether the site by the village green was the appropriate location for the development.

Mr and Mrs Hodgson have confirmed their “deepest regret” that they will be withdrawing their interest in converting the former post office, adding it would be a “waste” to pour money into a business villagers “do not want”.

Mr Hodgson added his wife was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and, while she had intended to still push forward with the plans, “recent weeks have caused her a great deal of medical difficulty and flare ups”.

She has also faced “great stress” in response to the negative comments made around the proposals.

Mr Hodgson said: “It was not our intention to cause this kind of reaction. Our profession is to help the community and take care of the bereaved and their deceased loved ones.

“We are well aware of the events that go on within Greatham having lived here for nearly a decade, our business would have been moulded to suit the village and certainly our clients would have been aware of this too.

“We were not looking to bring disruption or discomfort to the residents. We are incredibly saddened that it has come to this.”

He added the business had hoped to help community events and schools through sponsorships and donations and would have looked to turn the land at the side of the property into a “memorial garden”.

Mr Hodgson also said they wished to thank residents who had offered support for their plans.

Worries from objectors had included the site not being the right location for a funeral directors due to its proximity to the village green, where events are held, along with parking concerns.