Plans approved for 'professional house share' in Hartlepool - despite objections

Proposals were lodged earlier this year to convert the property at 50 Grange Road from a six bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) to a larger eight bed HMO.

HMOs refer to properties such as a house split into separate bedsits, a shared house/flat or a hostel.

Seven objections were submitted over the plans by residents, raising concerns over potential antisocial behaviour, parking worries and the development being ‘detrimental’ to the character of the area.

However the proposals from Code Property Developments, based in Darlington, were approved by Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee on Wednesday August 19.

Claire Hattam, planning consultant speaking on behalf of the applicant, said they have 20 existing HMO professional house shares in Darlington and an ‘excellent track record’ of managing them.

She said: “The applicant is seeking to market the property as a professional house share.

“As landlord, the applicant will have direct management over the property, its maintenance and potential future tenants.

“It is anticipated that this approach will address concerns raised by the public in relation to potential noise, disturbance, anti-social behaviour and crime.

“To conclude the proposed change of use will not result in adverse impacts on residential amenity, visual amenity, the Grange Conservation Area or community safety.

“The application is in a sustainable location with good access to services and facilities including public transport.”

Council highways bosses also had no objections to the plans, noting it is expected new residents will be unlikely to own cars, which is ‘typical of those residing in HMOs in the area’.

Cllr Carl Richardson was the only representative on the committee to vote against the plans, stating he was ‘not happy about the application whatsoever’.

He said: “I think a lot of the residents are not happy about it and there is a fear of crime and there is also a fear that there will be a major issue as regards parking.

“I know people might say there’s no car issues at the moment but I’m talking about the future, in that particular area it’s very difficult to get parking permits.”

The proposed layout for the site is for the ground floor to feature communal facilities, including a kitchen, living room and bathroom, along with two double bedrooms, one which would feature an en-suite.

The first floor is to include two double bedrooms, one with en-suite, one single bedroom, and bathroom facilities, while the second floor would also have two double rooms and a single bedroom.

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