Plans have been submitted which could see a number of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations being built in a shopping precinct car park...
31st Jan 2025
Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in Hartlepool could see some more charging stations being introduced in a bid to boost whats claimed to be a 'poor' EV infrastructure in the area.
Plans have now been submitted to install multiple charging stations at a popular shopping precinct where JMS Planning & Development Ltd, acting on behalf of SWARCO Smart Charging Ltd, has applied to Hartlepool Borough Council for permission to install 14 EV charging stations on land currently used as the Fens Shops car park, located near the junction of Truro Drive.
According to the planning statement, the proposed site serves a variety of retail stores and is a key location for local shoppers. If approved, the scheme would see 23 standard parking bays replaced with 14 dedicated EV charging bays, accessible 24/7—a significant boost for electric vehicle users in the area.
The project also includes several associated infrastructure improvements, such as:
EV charging upstands
A feeder pillar and power units
Bollards, signage, and lighting
A substation to support the charging network
Potential Concerns from the Community?
Whilst the plans could provide much-needed improvements to Hartlepool's EV infrastructure, it remains to be seen whether they will face any local objections, especially as recent controversy surrounding the introduction of new parking charges at the site has already left many residents up in arms, with the move leading to numerous drivers receiving hefty parking fines, sparking the creation of an online social media group campaigning against the parking company responsible.
Hartlepool's EV Charging Struggles
Hartlepool’s existing EV charging infrastructure has been widely criticised as inadequate, with many public charging points either:
Lacking modern connectors suitable for newer EVs
Taking too long to charge vehicles efficiently
Being so expensive that some EV owners are reportedly returning to petrol or diesel cars
This trend has contributed to a notable slump in EV sales, raising concerns about the town's ability to support the growing number of electric vehicles on UK roads.
What’s Next?
The council will now review the application, under planning reference H/2024/0338 where a decision on the plans is expected to be made around the end of March 2025.