Plans approved for expansion of popular York Road shop to 'support the vitality and viability of the area'
Proposals were previously submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to carry out work to 231A York Road, currently a vacant flat, for it to be used by a shop as part of its expansion plans.
Submitted by Pauline Devine, from The Dressworx, based downstairs at 231 York Road, plans will see the first floor of the building become part of the business, and used for retail and storage purposes.
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Hide AdA report from senior council planning officer Laura Alderson has confirmed the proposals have been given the go-ahead, noting they will benefit the area and allow a local store to expand.
She said: “The proposed development would see an existing retail business within a designated edge of town 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.
“The application site is the only suitable location for the proposals and no sequentially preferable site within the town centre would be available unless the whole business were to relocate.”
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Hide AdRelevant council officers and residents were all consulted on the plans, with no objections raised.
The application site does not currently benefit from dedicated parking, however on street parking is available to all of the businesses on this part of York Road.
In addition to the change of use of the first floor, an external box shutter will also be installed to cover the single door that provides access to the first floor from York Road.
Internal alterations to the layout will also include the removal of an existing wall to allow access to the first floor from within the existing shop unit.