Plan to convert 25 Hartlepool houses into 50 flats, providing homes for those escaping domestic violence or homelessness

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council Planning department from Home Group to convert the units located across the Clarence Road and West View estates in the town.

A Hartlepool hub office managing the sites will also be created in Greenwood Road to provide an on-site space to support residents.

The plans come as part of the Homes England ‘Move On’ initiative, which provides funds to convert high turnover and unused houses into quality properties, providing additional smaller units to those in need.

The investment will be used to create ‘hub’ and ‘transition’ properties, with ‘hub’ properties designed to provide more concentrated support for customers who require it.

‘Transition’ residents will have the option to remain in their property when they are ready to have the support removed.

A design and access statement from RNJ Construction Consultants on behalf of the applicant, states the scheme will have physical and social benefits to the areas in Hartlepool as well as providing support for the residents

It said: “Homes England’s Move on Fund is intended to provide necessary accommodation and support to enable independent living, particularly targeted at those leaving homelessness services or domestic violence services.

“Improved quality and enhanced security measures will ensure customers are safe and secure in their homes.

“Decoration, flooring, white goods and furniture are provided to help support customers.

“Property intervention will deliver regeneration, thereby improving the quality of life for existing and new customers, reducing antisocial behaviour.

“By increasing the level of occupation and maintenance, [it] preserves the sustainability of the estate by ensuring it remains economically viable.”

In total 15 of the properties to be converted are on the Clarence Road estate, across Greenwood Road, Belk Street, Henderson Grove, Milner Grove and Middleton Road.

Meanwhile eight of properties are on the West View estate across Warren Road, Arkley Crescent, Winterbottom Avenue and Bruce Crescent.

There is also one site each to be converted in Suffolk Close and Jesmond Gardens.

Home Group have recently made significant investment in both estates with new roofing, doors and electrics.

The Move On Project will inject a further £2.5million of investment into the Clarence and West View Estates as part of a wide package of works being proposed over the next five years.

A decision on the plans will be made by the council planning department in the near future.

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