Hartlepool's Gerald Shotton Furnishings store to get major overhaul after plans approved

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department at the end of last year for an extension and new shop front at Gerald Shotton Furnishings on the corner of York Road and Elwick Road.

The plans, submitted by Mr Peter Shotton, also included the creation of a new 14-space car park.

Council planning officers have now confirmed the proposals have been approved, adding no objections had been received.

A planning statement, previously submitted by Cummings Architects Ltd on behalf of the applicant, said the move would improve the area and the business itself.

It said: “We do not feel there will be any adverse impact of the surrounding area.

“We feel the proposals for the extension, car park and shop frontage will improve the appearance of the area while helping to grow and secure the future of the business as employer and valuable retailer on prominent corner location into the town centre.

“We believe offering improved parking will not only help attract customers but reduce pressure on parking to neighbouring properties both commercial and residential.

“The project will be a visible sign of investment on the town centre by an established local business.”

The proposed extension will increase the retail floorspace of the store, with the extension providing an extra 110sqm at the site.

The new 14 bay car park, featuring two disabled bays, will be surrounded by a 0.6metre high fence, and provide a new access point for vehicles onto Caroline Street.

Shop bosses say the new frontage will help them compete in the retail market and provide a ‘vibrant modern shop frontage’.

However council planning officers did raise some concerns with the applicant with respect to the proposed dark grey colour of the refurbished brickwork, metal cladding, stall risers and window/door frames, and whether this is sympathetic to the character of the surrounding area.

The applicant argued the existing building, with poor quality brick and cladding, is not a good advertisement for the area, and a condition is recommended to come to a final decision on colour with the council before work is carried out.

However, a report from senior council planning officer Ryan Cowley said the plans have been approved.

It said: “The application is considered to be acceptable with respect to relevant material planning considerations and is considered to be in accordance with the relevant policies of the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018.

“The development is recommended for approval subject to the planning conditions.”

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