Mixed views over Hartlepool Doggie Diner as plans attract objections and support

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year to convert a former shop at 54 Elizabeth Way into a cafe, as reported by the Hartlepool Mail.

The plans submitted by Doggie Diner Franchise, based in West Boldon, South Tyneside, stated the new venue would have a simple menu, along with homemade biscuits and cakes for dogs.

The new cafe would aim to bring people to the area and improve an ‘unsightly’ empty building, according to the applicant.

However to date 12 objections have been received by the council against the proposals, raising concerns such as anti-social behaviour, nuisance caused by visiting dogs, traffic and parking worries.

Seaton Carew resident Alisha McNamee said: “Another place that sells food is not required on this small parade of shops as it will put pressure on the ones already there which could result in those shops closing meaning more empty premises.

“There will be extra traffic, more mess and more anti social behaviour which is already a problem there.”

Seaton Carew resident Robert Lee said: “The proposed development is of no value to residents and the local area.

“It will result in loss of trade for existing businesses and poses a health risk to passing pedestrians.

“There are plenty of other more appropriate locations at Seaton Carew. This is not suitable or acceptable within a local housing estate shopping mall.”

Another resident said: “Traffic and parking is horrendous already.

“This will only be worse if the cafe goes ahead. With the other shops people only drop in where as the cafe people will be there for 30 mins to an hour.

“The parking cannot sustain this as it is a nightmare already.”

A response had already previously been received by the council from a representative at Liberty Catering Solutions, also based at Elizabeth Way shops, raising concerns the new cafe could put the business at risk.

However three comments of support have also been submitted to the council praising what the development would bring to the area.

Seaton Carew resident Karina Boland said: “The area around Elizabeth Way shops needs something like this.

“Good for the community, good for people’s mental health and good for generating employment and revenue in these difficult times. This cafe is an excellent idea.”

Another Seaton Carew resident said: “I think this would be a great addition to Seaton Carew, somewhere for dog walkers to sit in for a cuppa with their dogs.”

Plans state the cafe would be open 9am until 5pm Monday to Saturday and 11am until 4pm Sundays and bank holidays.

Free customer car parking is already available at the shopping parade, which would be used by the cafe if plans are approved.

A decision is expected to be made on the proposals by the council planning department later this year.

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