Plans for Hartlepool children's home caring for teenagers met with concerns

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department by Hennessy Group to provide accommodation and care for up to 5 young people aged 13-18 at 5 Grange Road.

Support would be provided by carers working on a shift pattern with 10 core staff providing support within the home environment, according to proposals.

All residents will have their own bedroom, with communal living facilities on offer.

The property has been operating as a house providing care to occupants since 2014, however since plans are to extend the age range of the occupants to be housed, it has been requested by Ofsted that planning consent is gained.

However seven objections have been sent to the council over the proposals, raising concerns such as increased traffic and noise in the area and concerns over who might be housed at the site.

A statement of purpose submitted by the applicant states the site will be run as Aspen House Children’s Home and will provide specialist services to support young people who experience emotional and behavioural difficulties.

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant states the proposals would benefit the area and should be approved.

It said: “Children with complex needs deserve the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in a safe and proactive way.

“The proposed development maintains the residential use of the property and is complementary to the character of the surrounding residential area.

“The proposed change of use would not result in a detrimental impact upon the character and appearance of the Grange Conservation Area which is a designated heritage asset.

“The proposed change of use would also not result in a detrimental impact upon the visual or residential amenity of the local area or highway safety.”

Hennessy Group aims to provide healthcare support and social care, within a single environment, which offers a high-quality resource to meet the identified needs of residents, according to plans.

The seven objections raised by residents in and around Grange Road raise concerns over past tenants at the site and the potential for increased noise and nuisance.

A response submitted by Michelle Lee on behalf of 22 Grange Road, home to Lonsdale Nursery, raised concerns over who could be housed at the site.

It said: “We have concerns about what the building will be used for and the type of residents that will be using it.

“It is a residential area and with our nursery being opposite we are concerned about what the children and families could witness in regards to a home for young adults with social and emotional issues.”

A similar proposal was previously approved by the council planning department in 2018 from Safe Haven Residential for the site, however as the operator is now to be Hennessy Group, Ofsted requested new plans be put in, according to plans.

The main alteration in the latest plans is to provide one additional bedroom.

A decision is expected to be made on the plans by the council planning department by the end of September.

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