Fears raised over plans to create 50 flats for people escaping domestic violence or homelessness in Hartlepool

Earlier this year proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department from Home Group to convert a total of 25 homes located across the Clarence Road and West View estates into 50 one-bed flats.

Now 11 of the applications will go before Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee next week for a decision to be made, after numerous objections were lodged.

The plans come as part of the Homes England ‘Move On’ initiative, which provides funds to convert high turnover and unused houses into quality properties, providing additional smaller units to those in need.

All of the applications going before the committee have faced objections from residents, who have raised concerns such as antisocial behaviour issues, traffic and parking concerns, and noise nuisance.

The plans coming to the committee cover properties at 3 and 6 Henderson Crescent, 9 and 25 Greenwood Road, along with one house in each of Belk Street, Middleton Road and Arkley Crescent.

Proposals will also be discussed at the meeting for 51 Bruce Crescent, 99 Winterbottom Avenue, 184 Jesmond Gardens and 43 Warren Road.

The number of objections for each plan varies from three, for numerous sites, to the 21 objections submitted against the Winterbottom Avenue proposals, with around 60 objections submitted in total across the 11 proposals.

Reports released ahead of the meeting have confirmed council planning officers are recommending all 11 applications are approved by councillors.

A design and access statement from RNJ Construction Consultants on behalf of the applicant, states the scheme will have physical and social benefits to Hartlepool.

It said: “Homes England’s Move on Fund is intended to provide necessary accommodation and support to enable independent living, particularly targeted at those leaving homelessness services or domestic violence services.

“Improved quality and enhanced security measures will ensure customers are safe and secure in their homes.

“Property intervention will deliver regeneration, thereby improving the quality of life for existing and new customers, reducing anti-social behaviour.

“By increasing the level of occupation and maintenance, [it] preserves the sustainability of the estate by ensuring it remains economically viable.”

In total the Move On Project will inject a further £2.5million of investment into the Clarence and West View Estates as part of a wide package of works being proposed over the next five years, according to plans.

The plans look to create ‘hub’ and ‘transition’ properties, with ‘hub’ properties designed to provide more concentrated support for customers who require it.

‘Transition’ residents will have the option to remain in their property when they are ready to have the support removed.

A decision will be made on the 11 applications individually at the planning committee meeting at 9.30am on Wednesday August 5, streamed live on YouTube.

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