'Tenant lined up' for Hartlepool retail park after tanning salon plans fade

Proposals were submitted earlier this year to bring the empty unit 9B at Anchor Retail Park into use.

The application, submitted by Canada Life Investments, outlines how the building previously made up part of the Carphone Warehouse store which closed in 2020.

Plans were subsequently approved last year to divide the site into two separate units, with British bakery chain Greggs since opening in one of them.

The second was previously earmarked for a tanning salon.

However the planned occupier for that site is no longer coming forward to operate it, meaning it remains empty.

Therefore proposals were submitted to convert the site into a retail store, which could host a shop or a business selling food and drink for consumption on the premises.

Plans add the applicant already has “a tenant lined up to take the unit”, although they have not yet been named, and there are “no external works” proposed as part of the scheme.

The application falls within the boundaries of Hartlepool Development Corporation, which means that organisation has been responsible for making a decision.

A report from corporation planning officers has confirmed the proposals have been approved.

It did not think that opening the store “would have any adverse impacts upon local amenity as a result of increased noise or activity” adding: “Extensive free off-street parking is already provided for customers visiting the retail park and the site is accessible by public transport.”

Conditions are in place which state the premises will only be able to open between 7am and 11.30pm.