Its claimed Councillors last year went against officer advice & rejected the retrospective planning application for the Bar in Hartlepool's York Road, leaving it unable to trade. Its now set to take its fight to the governments Planning Inspectorate for a final decision....
14th Jan 2025
A bar, previously denied planning permission by Hartlepool Borough Council last year, is set to appeal the decision to the government's Planning Inspectorate. In a move which could overturn the council's original ruling and potentially leave the local council facing considerable legal costs if its determined the local council 'acted unreasonably'.
ASP Associates, representing Mr. Ashley Johns of Team Tilly Leisure, submitted a planning application last year to convert the vacant shop at 117 York Road into a bar and nightclub. The proposed development included a transformation of the vacant unit into a vibrant mixed-use space, complete with seating areas, a dance floor, and a bar. Modifications to the shopfront and interior layout were also part of the plans.
Despite council officers initially recommending the approval of the proposal, the plans were unexpectedly rejected at a council planning committee meeting. Throwing the future of the business into uncertainty after its been left effectively unable to trade whilst it lodges a lengthy appeal against the councils decision.
Council Rejection and Public Debate
During public consultation, its claimed the plans received a mixed response. Nearby residents and some councillors voiced concerns about potential noise, disturbances, and anti-social behaviour in an already lively commercial area. These objections were said to have ultimately swayed the council to reject the application, despite the plans being supported by council officers.
Interestingly, the proposal did not go without its advocates. With several supporters arguing that the bar could bring much-needed energy to the area, boosting the local economy and fostering a sense of community. Nonetheless, councillors of the now heavily backed Labour majority planning committee at Hartlepool Borough Council voted against council officers' recommendations, leaving the business unable to open its doors & sparking concerns over its future.
Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate
HBC Exposed's learned the case will now be reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate, with a decision expected around April 2025. If the inspectorate rules in favour of the appeal, Hartlepool Borough Council could face considerable financial repercussions for any unreasonable actions in its decision-making process.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for both the business and the council. Whilst its claimed a potential reversal of the decision may allow the bar to finally open its doors, injecting life into York Road and providing a new venue for the community to enjoy. On the other hand, a rejection would solidify the council’s stance and uphold the objections raised by local residents potentially seeing the business collapse, with potential loss of jobs to the local community.
This story highlights the ongoing tension between economic development in Hartlepool and community concerns, a balancing act that councils across the country now face in a regular occurrence, with the decision likely to spell out not only the future of a local business, but also future decisions relating to the economic growth of Hartlepool.