Food and drink set to be served in Hartlepool's former Saxon pub once more as bar plans due for approval

Proposals were submitted earlier this year to convert a vacant unit at the shopping parade at the former Saxon pub site in Easington Road into a bar, which would also offer food.

The site was last used as a florist in 2018, and was open for around three months, according to plans from Mr M Jagpal, from Ingleby Barwick Land and Property Developments.

However six objections have been submitted by residents to the plans, raising concerns such as alcohol misuse in the area, its closeness to a children’s playground, and worries over litter, noise and anti-social behaviour.

The plans are now due to go before Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee when it meets next week for a decision to be made.

Ahead of the meeting, a report from council planning officer Stephanie Bell, recommends the plans are given the go-ahead by councillors at the meeting.

She said: “It is considered that the principle of development in this location is acceptable.

“It is further considered that the proposal would not result in significant adverse impacts on the amenity or privacy of neighbouring land users or adverse visual impacts.”

Mr M Jagpal had previously submitted plans to change the same site into a hot food takeaway, but proposals were rejected by the council planning department.

Concerns have similarly been raised over the latest plans with six objections received by the council to the plans.

One from Peter Joyce, Rossmere Way resident, said: “Alcoholism is a massive problem, causing problems for anti-social behaviour, causing problems for overstretched police forces, problems for hospital and court etc.

“Think of the impact on neighbourhoods, it’s too close to a children’s playfield within 50 metres.”

The council’s public health section were consulted and offered no comments or objections to the proposal.

Concerns were also submitted to the council from four residents in Whin Meadows in the town, raising concerns over litter being thrown into gardens, anti-social behaviour and the lack of detail in the plans.

However a planning statement for the new proposals, submitted on behalf of the applicant by Prism Planning, states the new bar, serving food, would benefit the area.

It said: “There is quite clearly a distinct lack of interest in the use of the premises as a retail shop.

“We contend that nothing detracts more from the character and appearance and long term vitality and viability of a local centre than a vacant unit.

“It is contended that the use of the premises as a small bar serving food will improve the character and appearance and long term vitality and viability of The Saxon Local Centre.”

Proposed opening hours for the site are 11am to 11pm seven days a week and the move would create two full time and two part time jobs at the site.

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

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