Plans for Hartlepool children's home recommended for approval despite objections

Hartlepool Borough Council Planning Committee will next week make a decision on proposals by Hennessy Group to provide accommodation and care for up to 5 young people aged 13-18 at 5 Grange Road.

The property has been operating as a house providing care to children since 2014, however since plans are to extend the age range of the occupants to be housed, and provide one extra bedroom, new plans have been submitted.

A statement of purpose from 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.

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.

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

However a report from council senior planning officer Laura Chambers, ahead of the planning committee meeting on Wednesday, recommends councillors approve the plans.

She said: “In practice, this use has already been granted planning permission before and is therefore considered to be acceptable in principle.

“The fundamental matter to consider is therefore whether the proposed additional occupant would materially alter the development and its impact to warrant refusal.

“It is not considered there would be a significant negative impact on neighbour amenity, parking, highway safety, crime and anti-social behaviour or the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant states the proposals would have no negative impact on the area.

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 eight 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 proposals.

A decision is to be made on the plans at the council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, October 7, from 9.30am, streamed live via YouTube.

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