Popular Hartlepool music school to expand offering piano, singing, flute and violin lessons - but a pledge to neighbours there will be no drums

Plans have been approved for the expansion of a popular music school in Hartlepool.
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Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department earlier this year to convert two vacant flats on the corner of Stockton Road and Cornwall Street to be used as part of a music school.

The plans from Kathryn Sirs state they would become part of Kate Sirs School of Music, which already occupies the ground floor of the building.

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A report from senior council planning officer Jane Tindall confirmed the proposals have been given the go-ahead, and should help benefit the area.

The music school said it offers a range of lessons - but has no intention to teach the drums.The music school said it offers a range of lessons - but has no intention to teach the drums.
The music school said it offers a range of lessons - but has no intention to teach the drums.

She said: “The proposed development would see an existing business within a designated local centre area expand.

“This would support the vitality and viability of the area.

“The development is not considered to have a negative impact on visual amenity, the amenity of neighbouring land users or highway safety.”

A planning statement previously submitted on behalf of the applicant outlined how the move would see an expansion of the business and more staff employed.

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It said: “The additional space will allow me to employ more staff and allow current staff to extend their hours.

“Our teaching is predominantly on a 1-1 basis for 30-60 minutes and our disciplines taught are piano, singing, flute and violin.

“We have no intention to ever teach instruments such as drums as the sound would disturb other lessons and there are already many established drum teachers in town.”

The school has six part-time members of staff, which is to rise to 10 following the approval, according to planning documents.

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Miss Sirs added she has been renting the unit for approximately 10 years, without any complaints, and hopes to remain there for as long as possible.

Planning documents note teaching hours for the school are approximately 2pm till 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am until 5pm on weekends.

The conversion is to see the previous bedroom and lounge of the first floor flat become teaching rooms, each with electric pianos to minimise sound disturbance.

The same work will be carried out to the bedroom and lounge of the former second floor flat, while the bathroom and kitchen will remain as they are.

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The plans are subject to a scheme demonstrating appropriate noise insulation between the application site and the adjoining property.

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