Hartlepool Bar Faces Potential Enforcement Action After Planning Rejection

A recently opened bar may face enforcement action following the rejection of its operational plans by councillors. In July, a licensing application for The Intro, located on York Road in Hartlepool, received approval, allowing it to sell alcohol and feature live and recorded music within specified hours. Nevertheless, a Hartlepool Borough Council meeting revealed that the establishment, functioning as a coffee bar and live music venue, had commenced operations without the necessary planning permission. Jonathan Loughrey, the planning agent representing the applicant, stated that the concerns brought forward were “discussed many times with council planning officers”. According to council legal officers, if the venue persists in operating without permission, it “would be for the planning enforcement team to consider whether, in the public interest, the test is met to take any action”. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that The Intro launched last month, having previously operated on Hartlepool Marina until its closure in June. Earlier this year, proposals were submitted to transform the York Road premises into a bar, which were then presented to the most recent councillors’ meeting for a determination. Planning officers had recommended approval for the application submitted by Ashley Johns of Team Tilly Leisure. However, councillors opted to unanimously reject the proposals, citing concerns regarding noise, health and safety matters related to bin storage and fire exits, and a possible rise in crime. Conservative councillor Mike Young, speaking during the meeting, noted that dispersal orders were already issued in the York Road area “on a regular basis”. Karen Oliver, a Labour and Co-operative councillor, further expressed that she had “huge concerns about the smoking areas, the cigarette butts that will be left, the bottle collection stored at the back, and the noise of that”. The committee was informed that the applicant retains the option to appeal the decision. Mr Loughrey also mentioned that the site remains under the purview of the building control department, potentially leading to the implementation of additional protection and noise reduction measures. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.