Residential care home at 19 The Green, Seaton Carew, Hartlepool

What was proposed

The application proposed changing a guest house into a residential care home for up to eight young people, with a rear cycle store.

“The application seeks planning permission for the change of use of 19 The Green, Seaton Care from a guest house (Use Class C1) to a residential care home (Use Class C2) to include the provision of a freestanding cycle store at the rear of the property. No internal or external works are proposed to the main buildings, although a freestanding cycle store structure is proposed within the grounds to the rear.”

Officer report

Earlier uses and applications

The property was previously approved as a guest house and later approved for a rear garage, alterations and six additional bedrooms.

“H/1976/0625 - Change of use from dwelling house to guest house. Approved 26 February 1976.”

“HFUL/1995/0419 - Erection of new rear double garage and alterations and extension to provide additional six bedrooms. Approved 01 November 1995.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The applicant supported the proposal, and Councillor Leisa Smith spoke in support; no objector attended to make representations.

What members considered

The applicant answered questions about capacity, staffing, fire safety, care arrangements, shift changes, transport and safeguarding young people.

“Development: Change of use from guest house (Class C1) to residential care home (Class C2) and provision of freestanding cycle store in rear garden Location: THE GREEN SEATON CAREW HARTLEPOOL The Senior Planning Officer outlined the application. There had been a minor alteration to condition number 3 which was tabled before Members.”

“The organisation had 12 operational care homes across England and received an Outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2026. The home would be staffed by trained professionals and operate the same routines as a traditional household. Staff shift changes would not take place at unsociable hours. Following questions from Members, the below points were noted: • The Applicant felt 8 young people would be an acceptable number within the home.”

Minutes

The decision and conditions

Planning permission was approved, subject to outstanding publicity and Natural England comments, with conditions limiting the use, staffing, cycle store, charging points and lighting.

“Decision: Planning Permission Approved subject to the consideration by officers of any comments received as a result of the outstanding publicity period (site notice) and any comments received from Natural England and subject to the following planning conditions (including updated condition 3).”

“The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the plans: TG.19.TS25 (Location Plan), TG.19.PR.01 (Proposed Main Building Floor Plans), TG.19.PR.02 (Proposed Annexe Floor Plans), all received 24.10.2025 by the Local Planning Authority and; TG.19.PR.SP (Proposed Site Plan) and TG.19.TS25.PR.BP (Proposed Block Plan), both received 06.11.2025 by the Local Planning Authority. To define the planning permission.”

Minutes