Plans approved for new CCTV cameras to be installed at £1.4m Waterfront site in Hartlepool

Hartlepool Borough Council officers submitted proposals earlier this year to the area’s planning department for the CCTV to be installed near the Jackson’s Landing site.

It comes after a report to the council Finance and Policy Committee last year said there was money remaining in the neighbourhood investment programme for CCTV at key town sites, such as Church Square and the Waterfront.

This came as an extension to a scheme to install CCTV in Seaton Park, Rossmere Park, Burn Valley Gardens and Ward Jackson Park, which was delivered using funding previously allocated for barrier works.

Plans for the CCTV to be installed at the Waterfont have now been approved, with a report from council planning officer Stephanie Bell stating the proposals are in line with the council’s vision.

It said: “The proposal has been designed to complement the existing street-lighting sited along the Waterfront area (as part of the recent public realm works).

“The council’s community safety team has advised that the necessary regulations will be adhered to in the provision and operation of the CCTV.

“It is considered that the proposed development is acceptable in terms of visual amenity, neighbourhood amenity, community safety, highway safety and all other planning matters.”

Plans state dome cameras have been chosen for the site to ‘minimise local persons understanding upon where cameras are actually monitoring’.

They also note if required the cameras can have privacy zones inserted to avoid views into residential areas.

One objection to the plans had been submitted by a resident, raising concerns CCTV camera operatives could not effectively monitor the cameras used by the council.

However council officers reassured they will fully comply with relevant CCTV and privacy polices to monitor the site effectively.

The new camera will cover the Waterfront site which is also set to be home to a new ‘bespoke’ leisure facility to replace Hartlepool’s Mill House Leisure Centre.

Earlier this year councillors unanimously agreed to move forward with the new site which will feature three swimming pools, a health suite, fitness studios, gym, family play facility, cafe/refreshments area and function rooms.

Work has already been completed on the first phase of the regeneration of the Waterfront site, which included £1.4million works on the development of a “Linear Park” around the boundary of the site including new footpaths, planting, seating and lighting.

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