Plans to convert buildings into shop and flats to boost Church Street development

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to make the changes to the buildings at 21-27 Scarborough Street.

Submitted by Mr Keith Ashley Jones, plans state he is looking to convert the buildings, which were last used as offices, into a mixed retail and residential offering.

If plans are approved, the ground floor would be used for retail, while three apartments would be offered on the first floor.

The site was most recently home to Evolution Training and Consultancy Services, which now has a site at Graythorp Industrial Estate in Hartlepool

A heritage statement submitted on behalf of the applicant states the redevelopment would benefit the Church Street Conservation Area where it is located.

It said: “The proposal is to convert this property into a mixed retail and residential use comprising apartments and or bedsits, from its current use of commercial.

“These are important buildings within the redevelopment of Scarborough Street and Church Street, and as such the alterations of the new development will have a minimal impact on the appearance, character and setting of the building, within the conservation area of Church Street.

The door at 27 Scarborough Street was also previously the subject of a planning row, with council officers last year taking enforcement action after a uPVC replacement was installed ruled to be not in keeping with the area.

The replacement had to be installed after the previous door was smashed by a car.

The latest proposals would be in line with the recent regeneration of Church Street and Church Square, which has seen millions of pounds of investment in recent years.

Plans have already been approved this year to convert former office sites at 6 and 7 Scarborough Street into a cafe bar and cocktail bar respectively.

Meanwhile applications have recently been approved to continue developments on Church Street itself, such as the scheme to convert the former Scarlets nightclub into a cafe and bistro, with student accommodation above.

Plans have also been approved this year to refurbish 15 Church Street, previously Mamma Mia’s takeaway, with a view to it being home to a new cafe or shop and two flats.

A decision is expected to be made on the latest proposals by the council planning department next month.

To view and comment on the planning application visit the Hartlepool Borough Council planning portal online and search reference number H/2020/0380.

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