Plans approved for new fostering service in Hartlepool

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year by Changing Futures North East to provide a fostering agency based at their site in Abbey Street.

The organisation currently offers mediation, therapy and group programmes for couples going through tough times and mentoring for children.

Council planning officers have now approved plans for a fostering agency to operate from the site, furthering the services on offer at the centre.

A planning and heritage statement previously submitted by the applicant stated how the organisation wants to continue to provide more services, alongside developing resources to help support families and young people.

It said: “Changing Futures North East helps children to thrive.

“They do this by helping to improve the quality of family members’ relationships, helping children and young people to make new relationships with adults and other people their own age.

“Changing Futures match trusted adult mentors with children who are in care and they are currently setting up a fostering agency… to add this service to the current children’s services offered on site.”

Plans also note the work Changing Futures has done to date in Hartlepool, including setting up the Healthy Relationships Partnership.

This brought together schools, health agencies, the council, private businesses and voluntary groups to share research and learning online so others can take what’s been learnt to do more for the people they help.

No external alterations are involved in the latest plans, and internal works include converting the cafe, kitchen area, function rooms and computer suite into open plan multi-use office and meeting room spaces.

A report from council planning officer Stephanie Bell said the proposals would not have a negative impact on the area and confirmed they could commence.

She said: “The proposal is not considered to adversely impact upon the character, appearance, function or amenity of the local area, or to adversely impact the amenity and privacy of neighbouring land users.

“The proposal is acceptable in terms of local and national policies and therefore, subject to conditions, is deemed acceptable overall.”

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