New tattoo parlour set to open in Hartlepool as derelict space above barbers brought back to life

Earlier this year, proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department for the new tattoo studio at 10A Tower Street in the town, off Church Street.

The plans, submitted by Mr Alex Williamson, from Apostle Tattoo, stated the studio would be located upstairs at the site, in space which has been ‘derelict for a number of years’.

The ground floor of the property is home to ‘Tower Street Barbers’ which would continue to run as normal.

Council planning chiefs have now given the plans the green light, with a report from planning officer Stephanie Bell stating it will have no negative impact on the area.

It said: “This will be a relatively small scale operation occupying a floor area of 99 square metres, and the proposal will bring a vacant part of a building back into use.

“In view of this it is considered that the proposal would meet current relevant planning policy requirements and as such the principle of development is considered to be acceptable.”

The site will only be open between 10am and 5pm Mondays to Saturdays, and will not operate on Sundays, Public Holidays or Bank Holidays.

Plans also state the tattoo studio will employ 5 full-time and two part-time staff, all Hartlepool residents.

A planning statement on behalf of the applicant said they have taken into account the site is in the Church Street Conservation Area and believe it will improve the area.

It said: “The floor has only recently been made available for business use after many years of dereliction.

“We believe our overall proposal will have no impact on the property or surrounding area, it will simply allow for more business from the building.

“The planning request we are making will positively benefit the building and area in terms of decoration and use, footfall in the area and employment of staff.”

Access to the property will be through existing stairwells, so no internal or external changes will be made to the property.

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