Children's care home approved amid objections

Plans to convert a house into a children's care home for up to four young people have been approved.

Changing Futures North East said the 11 to 18 year olds would have carers on a shift basis at the property on Granville Avenue in Hartlepool.

During a public consultation, there were 11 objection letters raising concerns over the "suitability of the location", potential antisocial behaviour, increased noise, privacy impacts and the loss of a family home.

Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee voted to approve the application, with Victoria ward councillor Adam Gaines describing it as a "much needed local place and resource for vulnerable children".

A previous application was refused over planning laws.

However, planning officers at the Reform-led council recommended the latest submission be approved.

It said Hope House would "not give rise to adverse impacts upon the visual amenity, neighbour amenity, highway safety or any other planning matter, including safety and security".

Sharon Nelson, senior residential home manager for Changing Futures Fostering, welcomed the decision.

"We know some residents had concerns, and we've listened and acted on them since day one," she said.

Nelson said staff would be on site 24-hours a day.

"Above everything else, the focus now must be on the children who will call it home," she said.

"Through no fault of their own, they've maybe endured more than most, so they deserve to feel safe, supported, and welcomed."

A majority of councillors present voted it through at a meeting on Wednesday, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

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