Hartlepool's historic Rocket House at Seaton Carew set to become seafront shop under new plans

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to convert the Rocket House into a seafront retail outlet.

The building on The Front was originally erected to store the equipment needed to save lives at sea by the means of rocket lines, and is currently vacant.

The plans, submitted by Ms Joanne Burnside in Seaton Carew, said the building is in a poor state of repair and ‘externally requires a complete overhaul’.

A design and access statement on behalf of the applicant states the plans will benefit the Seaton Carew Conservation Area.

It said: “It is the intention of our client to carry out the change of use of the Rocket House into a new seafront retail outlet.

“Currently the building cosmetically is in a poor state of repair and externally requires a complete overhaul.

“The refurbishment of the Rocket House with the retention of its existing character will only enhance the area.”

The building was also used as a part-time police station around the 1980s and additionally has been used as a first aid site.

The proposed retail unit would be home to two full-time jobs should it get the go-ahead, according to planning documents.

The design and access statement also noted the chosen finished materials would ‘allow longevity against the seafront elements’ but still provide a high quality finish to the design.

It said: “The proposal will involve a complete refurbishment of the existing premises including a new timber dispensary window and door.

“As part of the development the entire building will be externally refurbished and redecorated in order to bring it to a standard worthy of the seafront terrace and to enhance the terrace itself in line with other current developments in the vicinity.”

Parking spaces would be readily available in the existing car park and access for the public would remain from Church Street.

A decision is expected to be made on the proposals by the council planning department next month.

To view and comment on the planning application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0451.

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