Plans to turn delapidated houses into seafront flats

A PAIR of Victorian town houses could soon be offering modern homes by the sea.

Plans have been submitted to turn two Seaton Carew beachside properties, which are currently in a ‘state of disrepair’ into 14 flats fit for modern living. The properties, built in a conservation area, have had a number of uses, including once housing a joke shop.

Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Council planning department to carry out the works at 49 and 50 The Front, close to the beach in the town. Number 50 is especially in a state of disrepair after formerly being a 15-bed house of multiple occupancy.

According to plans from Horizon View Ltd, the work would take place across the two separate residential dwellings which have been “converted and amended over the years for various uses”. Number 49 is currently home to four flats, while number 50 is vacant.

The latest development would convert both buildings into a combined 14 self-contained flats, with thirteen one bedroom units and one two bed site. A design and access statement from planning agent ASP Services, in support of the application, outlines how the latest proposals will incorporate and improve both properties, which have been “subject to neglect”.

It said: “They have been left in a state of disrepair by previous owners. Both properties have recently been purchased by a developer looking to bring them back to a modern 21st century standard whilst retaining and upgrading its original appearance and character.

“Given that the development is proposed to be an upgrade of the original/previous use we feel that this is a favourable proposal for this (partly) vacant building.” It adds current owners have begun the process to combine both properties into one to ensure the building are not altered separately.

The two properties are both former three-storey Victorian mid-terrace properties built approximately 100 years ago and located in the Seaton Carew Conservation Area. Plans note although number 49 is currently flats, it still “requires a large element of remedial and upgrading works to the external elements”.

Meanwhile number 50 is in the “greatest state of disrepair” and is “not habitable as it currently stands”. Concerns have also been raised in planning documents over the roofs to both properties.