Jobs - but no drumming - promised as part of Hartlepool music school's expansion plans

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to convert two vacant flats on the corner of Hartlepool’s Stockton Road and Cornwall Street to be used as part of a music school.

The plans from Kathryn Sirs state they would become part of Kate Sirs School of Music, which already occupies the building’s ground floor.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant outlines how the move would see an expansion of the business and more staff employed.

It said: “Our teaching is predominantly on a 1-1 basis for 30-60 minutes and our disciplines taught are piano, singing, flute and violin.

“We have no intention to ever teach instruments such as drums as the sound would disturb other lessons and there are already many established drum teachers in town.

“It is not our intention to run large classes from our school, as the design of the building doesn’t allow a space large enough.”

Currently the music school has six part-time members of staff, which would rise to 10 if the expansion proposals were approved.

In her planning statement, Miss Sirs adds she has been renting the current unit for around 10 years and hopes to remain there for as long as possible.

She said: “We have never had any complaints or issues in this time.

“The additional space will allow me to employ more staff and allow current staff to extend their hours.”

Planning documents note teaching hours for the school are approximately 2pm until 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am until 5pm on weekends.

They add most parents drop their children off at the site so they would not expect any parking issues.

The conversion proposed would see the previous bedroom and lounge of the first floor flat become teaching rooms, each with electric pianos to minimise sound disturbance.

The same work will be carried out to the bedroom and lounge of the former second floor flat, while the bathroom and kitchen will remain as they are.

The entrance for the school will be in Cornwall Street and CCTV will be in place to ensure the safety of students and teachers.

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