Site of former Hartlepool pub to become 'high quality' Heron Foods Store

Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year for the land previously home to Headland Gate Public House on the corner of Northgate and Durham Street.

The plans from Elder Properties stated they wanted to host a Heron Foods store at the site which would “be developed with a view to occupancy by early 2023”.

A report from council senior planning officer Jane Tindall has confirmed the proposals have now been approved, subject to final conditions being fulfilled, paving the way for work to begin.

It said: “It is considered on balance that the application is acceptable with respect to the relevant material planning considerations, and in accordance with the adopted Hartlepool Local Plan 2018.”

Proposals state the development will provide “four full time and eight part time job opportunities across a range of roles with flexible shift patterns offered”.

The Headland Gate pub ceased trading at the site in 2008 before being demolished in 2009.

A total of 17 letters backing the development were received by the council, praising the plans for bringing the site back into use, adding it is “much needed and will tidy the area up”.

A planning and retail statement from ELG Planning said the proposals would deliver a “high quality, modern format convenience store”.

The decision report notes the site will feature a mural, depicting Sandgate Arch, within the Town Wall, to provide a reference to the historic Headland and further improve the appearance of the site.