Objections lodged over planning application to open pub in former Hartlepool florist shop

The former florists shop unit on the site.

Proposals had been submitted by Mr M Jagpal, from Ingleby Barwick Land and Property Developments, to convert a vacant unit at the former Saxon pub site into a bar serving food.

Planning permission was previously granted to convert the former pub in Easington Road into a local shopping parade made up of a variety of units, and it’s currently home to a convenience store, fish and chip shop and a dental practice.

The site subject to the latest plans was last used as a florist in 2018, and was open for around three months.

Shop units on the site of the former Saxon pub in Hartlepool.

The applicant states the new plans for a bar, serving food, would benefit the area and the ‘long term vitality and viability’ of the shopping parade.

However residents living near to the site have lodged objections to the plans, raising concerns it could increase anti-social behaviour and alcoholism in the area.

To date six objections have been sent to the council over the plans.

One from Peter Joyce, Rossmere Way resident, said: “Alcoholism is a massive problem, causing problems for anti-social behaviour, causing problems for overstretched police forces, problems for hospital and court etc.

“Think of the impact on neighbourhoods, it’s too close to a children’s playfield within 50 metres.”

Concerns were also submitted to the council from four residents in Whin Meadows in the town, raising concerns over litter being thrown into gardens, anti-social behaviour and the lack of detail in the plans.

Mr Flint, in his submission, said: “The proposed opening hours would only add to the noise disturbance and smell pollution in the area.

“With regards to the drinking establishment, do we really need another as there is already over 50 in the surrounding area supplying all manner of foods.”

Mr Weightman said: “A ‘drinking establishment’, open twelve hours every day, is hardly a desirable addition to any neighbourhood.

“As so much is undefined, this proposal must surely be denied.”

Another resident submitted an objection adding the site could be used for something more beneficial.

They said: “There is enough trouble with youths on the field and around the shops without having a mini pub which just is not necessary.

“Everyone was glad to see the back of the pub. I’d rather the council stepped in and offered it as a food bank base or something useful.”

A planning statement for the new proposals, submitted on behalf of the applicant by Prism Planning, states the new bar, serving food, would benefit the area.

It said: “There is quite clearly a distinct lack of interest in the use of the premises as a retail shop.

“We contend that nothing detracts more from the character and appearance and long term vitality and viability of a local centre than a vacant unit.

“It is contended that the use of the premises as a small bar serving food will improve the character and appearance and long term vitality and viability of The Saxon Local Centre.”

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