New tattoo studio planned for 'derelict space' in Hartlepool building

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department for a new tattoo studio at 10A Tower Street in the town, off Church Street.

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.

The plans, submitted by Mr Alex Williamson, from Apostle Tattoo, state the tattoo studio would employ five 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.”

The inside of the property will be decorated to be sympathetic to the original building, maintaining a period style and using original features, according to the plans.

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

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

If approved, the business would become the latest of a number of tattoo parlours to open in the town.

Body art has been growing in popularity in recent years with more and more businesses opening to cater to the market.

:: To comment on the planning application for the site visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0019.