Hartlepool children's nursery to be converted into flats

Proposals went before Hartlepool Borough Council planning committee earlier this month to convert the Lonsdale Day Nursery site at 22 Grange Road.

A similar application was narrowly approved by councillors in 2019 although permission expired without work taking place.

This led to the proposals being resubmitted by the nursery’s Susan Cawthorne.

Council reports noted five objections had been submitted from residents raising concerns over potential parking issues, noise nuisance and the flats being “detrimental to the area”.

Yet local authority planning officers ruled the existing use of the site would likely generate more vehicle trips.

Councillors have now unanimously backed the officers’ recommendation to approve the change.

A statement from John Taylor Architects in support of the plans said the development would “enhance the vitality and viability of the town centre”.