Bar operating without permission could face action

Proposals were submitted earlier this year to convert the York Road building into a bar

Enforcement action could be taken over a newly opened bar after plans for its operation were rejected by councillors.

A licensing application for The Intro, in York Road, Hartlepool, was approved in July granting it permission to sell alcohol and play live and recorded music during designated hours.

However, a Hartlepool Borough Council meeting heard the coffee bar and live music venue had started operating despite not having planning permission in place.

Planning agent Jonathan Loughrey, on behalf of the applicant, said issues raised were "discussed many times with council planning officers".

Council legal officers said should the venue continue to operate 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".

Cigarette butts

The Intro opened last month after previously being located on Hartlepool Marina before it closed in June, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Proposals were submitted earlier this year to convert the York Road building into a bar and went before the latest meeting of councillors for a decision.

The application from Ashley Johns at Team Tilly Leisure had been recommended for approval by planning officers.

However, councillors decided to unanimously reject the proposals after raising concerns over noise, health and safety issues linked to bin storage and fire exits, and a potential increase in crime.

Conservative councillor Mike Young, speaking at the meeting, said the York Road area already saw dispersal orders issued "on a regular basis".

Karen Oliver, Labour and Co-operative councillor, added 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 heard the applicant could appeal the decision.

Mr Loughrey added the site was still subject to building control department involvement, which could see further protection and noise reduction measures implemented.