Plans approved for a new cafe and bar in Hartlepool's Scarborough Street

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year to convert 6 Scarborough Street from an office into a cafe and bar.

The plans, from Neil Bianco, of Bianco Bros, stated the move would provide four full-time and 10 part-time jobs at the cafe and bar.

Council planning officers have now confirmed the plans have been given the green light to go ahead.

It said: “It is considered that subject to the necessary planning conditions, the proposal would not cause any significant detrimental impact on the amenity and privacy of neighbouring properties including noise disturbance, as to warrant refusal of the application.

“It is considered that the principle of the proposed change of use to a cafe/bar is acceptable.

“It is considered that the proposal would not give rise to adverse impacts upon the visual amenity, highway safety, community safety, or any other planning matter.

“Furthermore, the proposal would bring a vacant property back into use.”

Plans state the premises can be open to the public from 9am until 12.30am Monday to Saturday and from 9am until 10.30pm Sundays and bank holidays.

Two residents had raised concerns over the plans to bring a cafe and bar to the area citing issues such as an increase in the number of places selling alcohol and potential noise nuisance impacting neighbouring properties.

However council planning officers noted the plans are in an area which is allocated as suitable for later opening and selling alcohol.

They also added a condition of the proposals is for a ‘suitable sound insulation scheme’ to be installed to protect the neighbouring property.

A heritage statement on behalf of the applicant stated how the grade II listed building is an important site in the Church Street Conservation area and the plans would benefit the area.

It said: “The proposal to convert this property into a cafe/bar from its current use of a commercial office, will preserve the front facade in its entirety.

“This is an important building within the redevelopment of Scarborough Street and Church Street, and as such the alterations of the new development will have a minimal impact on the appearance, character and setting of the building, within the conservation area of Church Street.”

The plans have also been given listed building consent for the change of use of the building.

It comes as council planning chiefs also received proposals earlier this year for a new cafe cocktail bar, serving light food, at 7 Scarborough Street in the town.

A decision is expected to be made on those plans in the near future.

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