Hartlepool's The Tankerville Hostel set to become family homes again after sitting empty for a year

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department at the end of 2020 to carry out the work at The Tankerville Hostel.

Submitted by Jomast Developments, plans stated the buildings at 19-21 Tankerville Street were combined to form a hostel around 1987, but the site has been ‘unoccupied since January 2020’.

A report from council senior planning officer Jane Tindall has confirmed the proposals have been approved, noting they will bring empty buildings back into use.

She said: “It is considered that the change from a HMO (house in multiple occupation) to 2 x 5 bedroom dwellings, within a terrace of residential properties is acceptable.

“The premises are currently empty and the proposed change will bring back in to use empty buildings.

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

A planning statement on behalf of the applicant stated the latest proposals will restore the buildings back to their original use as two separate dwellings, which will each feature five bedrooms.

It said: “It is intended to carry out some internal alterations to facilitate use as standard family homes.

“Both properties will provide five bedrooms and there will be other internal improvements to create two desirable residential units.”

Planning documents also noted the proposals constitute a ‘sustainable development’ and will be in keeping with the local area.

They said: “Tankerville Street is made up of mainly three storey terraced housing.

“The area is all housing of a similar type and is supported by local schools, churches and shops.

“So, the general picture is one of family living and community. This proposal is to create two family homes. It is therefore considered that this fits the description of a sustainable development.”

Floor plans for the site show currently there are 10 bedrooms split between the first and second floors of the hostel, with two bathrooms on each floor.

Meanwhile the ground floor features two lots of living areas and kitchens, with yards to the back of the properties.

The hostel was originally granted planning permission around 1987, before a further change of planning use was granted in 2016 to allow the property to be classed as a house in multiple occupation.

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