Hartlepool Borough Council has confirmed that applications to convert 22 and 24 Kilwick Street into five‑bedroom houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) are lawful under planning rules, despite formal objections from Cleveland Police.
Police warned of risks to community and policing
Cleveland Police objected to both schemes, telling the council they feared the properties could increase crime, anti‑social behaviour and put additional pressure on local policing resources. In its submissions the force also argued the new HMOs, combined with another recently approved HMO in the same street, could alter the street’s character and add strain to what it described as a “fragile community”.
“clear and significant risks relating to vulnerability, crime, anti‑social behaviour, policing demand, community cohesion, and cumulative impact”.
Council granted certificates of lawful development
Council planning officers said the applications were for certificates of lawful development (proposed use) rather than ordinary planning permission. Because the submissions related to whether the change of use and internal works are lawful, the officers concluded the proposals did not require the same planning consent and the certificates were issued.
Officials added that, given the nature of the applications, the police’s observations had been forwarded to the applicants and were not discussed further in the planning report.
What the properties will contain
The paperwork sets out internal arrangements for at least one of the buildings. The property at 22 Kilwick Street is described as having a communal dining room, utility room and kitchen plus one ground‑floor bedroom, with two en‑suite bedrooms at first floor level.
- Two separate five‑bedroom HMOs have been certified lawful at 22 and 24 Kilwick Street.
- Cleveland Police objected, citing risks to safety, cohesion and policing capacity.
- Council planners granted certificates on the basis that the proposals did not need planning permission.
Local consequences and next steps
The outcome means the properties may be occupied as HMOs without the council refusing on planning grounds. The decision is technical: certificates confirm a proposed use is lawful under planning rules rather than representing a discretionary approval of an HMO application. Any future complaints about management, licensing or anti‑social behaviour would be considered through the relevant regulatory routes, including HMO licensing where applicable, environmental health intervention or further police action.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Addresses | 22 & 24 Kilwick Street |
| Proposed use | Five‑bedroom houses in multiple occupation |
| Authority response | Certificates of lawful development granted |
| Police position | Formal objection citing safety and policing concerns |
Residents concerned about the cumulative impact of HMOs in their street should be aware that planning law draws a distinction between lawful changes of use and applications that allow local discretion. Complaints about nuisance or crime continue to be matters for Cleveland Police and the council’s regulatory teams.
