Retrospective proposal to turn Hartlepool property into apartments rejected over conservation concerns
Retrospective plans to convert a property on the Headland into three apartments have been rejected following concerns by residents.
Proposals were submitted to council planning chiefs for 20 Gladstone Street which is located within the Headland Conservation Area.
The application from Andrew Gallagher sought to secure permission to divide the property into three apartments and install dark grey uPVC windows and two velux rooflights.
The proposals went before the latest meeting of the Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee after three responses were received from nearby residents raising concerns.
This included worries existing parking issues could be exacerbated and that it would mark an “erosion of community character” and bring a “significant change” to the street.
Council officers noted works had already been completed.
But a report from planners recommended the proposals be refused due to the roof lights and windows of “non-traditional design and materials” which they argued caused harm to the “significance of the conservation area”.
However, they deemed the apartment element acceptable.
Councillors on the committee unanimously rejected the application, meaning enforcement action could now be taken if previous features aren’t restored.
A representative from planning agent Fitz Architects argued the property had historically been three apartments before being converted into a house around 2006 and that “around 90% of that street already has uPVC windows”.
Councillor Karen Oliver said: “If we continue with that argument that there are already uPVC windows in the street then we will lose our heritage.
“We’ve got to draw a line somewhere to preserve what we have.”