Cleveland Police Raise Concerns Over Hartlepool House in Multiple Occupation

Police officials have expressed serious concerns that the addition of “yet another HMO” in Hartlepool could potentially reignite tensions following last summer’s riots, which were fueled by misinformation.

The controversy centers around a retrospective planning application submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council for 27 Tankerville Street. The property owner, Liam Lewis of BNL Property Ltd, is seeking permission to formalize the conversion of two self-contained flats into a six-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). According to the application, the conversion was already completed earlier this year.

Cleveland Police has taken a firm stance against the proposal, citing “real concerns about the number of HMOs in the area.” Police officials noted that this particular neighborhood was targeted during civil disturbances in 2024, with violence sparked by the spread of false information across social media platforms.

In their official response to the planning application, Cleveland Police elaborated on their position: “During the disorder in the summer of 2024 this area was targeted as a result of confounded public perceptions and the spreading of misinformation across shared social media platforms.”

The police statement highlighted ongoing community recovery efforts following last year’s unrest. “As part of recovery, following the disorder, the police, public authorities and other partnership agencies have been collaborating on rejuvenation projects in this area,” it noted.

Officials expressed concern that approving another HMO would undermine these rehabilitation initiatives. “This proposal, of yet another HMO in the area (albeit stipulated for students) would not only frustrate this work, it could potentially create further misinformation and make this premises a target and the residents at greater risk of being victims of crime,” the police response stated.

The controversy highlights broader tensions in many UK towns regarding the proliferation of HMOs, which have sometimes become flashpoints for community concerns about changing neighborhood dynamics, housing pressures, and social tensions. Last summer’s riots in multiple locations across the UK saw misinformation about the occupancy and purpose of certain residential properties spread rapidly through social media, leading to targeted attacks.

In defense of the application, a planning statement submitted on behalf of BNL Property Ltd emphasized that the HMO was “centred on providing high-quality accommodation for professionals and students.” The statement noted that the property was being professionally managed by a local HMO developer with a “proven record” of compliance with regulations.

The applicant also acknowledged the retrospective nature of the planning request, stating that Lewis “regrets the retrospective nature” of the proposal and initially was unaware that formal planning permission was required for the conversion.

This case illustrates the complex balancing act facing local authorities as they navigate housing needs, community safety concerns, and regulatory requirements. The concentration of HMOs in certain areas has become a contentious planning issue in many parts of the UK, with critics arguing they can change neighborhood character and create pressure on local services.

Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning department is expected to make a decision on the application later this month. The outcome could have significant implications not only for the specific property but also for the council’s broader approach to managing HMOs in areas that have experienced community tensions.

Local residents and community groups will be watching closely to see how the council weighs housing needs against public safety concerns in this sensitive case.