Plans approved for new apartments in Hartlepool's Scarborough Street

Proposals were previously submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to make the changes to the former offices at 17-19 Scarborough Street.

Submitted by Mr Keith Jones, the plans state the buildings would be converted into four apartments or bedsits.

RELATED: New bar and bistro set to open in Hartlepool's Church Street after plans approved for former youth centre site

A report from senior council planning officer Jane Tindall has confirmed the proposals will have no adverse impact on the area and have been approved.

She said: “It is considered that the principle of the proposed change of use to four self- contained apartments is acceptable.

“The council’s regeneration section has been consulted and considers that the investment resulting from the proposal is welcome in the vicinity, and therefore the application is supported.

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

A heritage statement previously submitted on behalf of the applicant stated the development would benefit the area.

It said: “The proposal to convert these properties into apartments and/or bedsits from its current use of commercial, will preserve the front facade in its entirety.

“These are important buildings within the redevelopment of Scarborough Street and Church Street.

“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.”

Plans also noted the development will involve redecorating the front in the existing colour, black, to the approval of both the council planning and conservation officers.

It will also include replacement windows to the rear in either timber or uPVC to match the existing design.

The proposals are in line with the regeneration of Church Street and Church Square, which has seen millions of pounds of investment in recent years.

Plans were approved in 2020 to convert former office sites at 6 and 7 Scarborough Street into a cafe bar and cocktail bar respectively.

Meanwhile applications have recently been approved to continue developments on Church Street itself, such as the scheme to convert the former Scarlets nightclub into a cafe and bistro, with student accommodation above.

Plans have also been approved to refurbish 15 Church Street, previously Mamma Mia’s takeaway, with a view to it being home to a new cafe or shop and two flats.

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