Seaton Carew FC Hornby Park makeover plans approved at Hornby Park

Seaton Carew FC, based at Hornby Park, received approval from Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee for a part-retrospective application including six temporary cabins for changing rooms, toilets, a food servery, and turnstile access.

Plans also include six 15-metre-high LED floodlight columns and landscaping improvements, including the planting of around 20 urban trees.

A seated stand was originally proposed but removed following concerns raised during the planning process.

Borough planning officers recommended the amended scheme for approval, noting limited impact on the surrounding area.

Councillors approved the plans on September 25, 2026.

A council planning report said: "Whilst it is acknowledged that the use of the floodlights would allow activity at the site to take place during darker hours of the winter months, owing to the recommended planning condition restricting the use for these purposes only, it is considered that the proposed development would only result in a minor intensification to the use of the site for these limited periods."

A planning condition was included to restrict the floodlights’ use to first-team home fixtures only during the months of September to March.

The condition also states "the floodlighting shall not be used for training sessions, recreational activities, maintenance operations, events, private hire, youth or reserve team fixtures, or any other activity not directly associated with a first-team home match fixture".

Despite the approval, some residents raised objections about noise, light pollution, traffic, and parking.

However, the council concluded that the development would not cause "significant adverse impacts" in relation to character, neighbouring amenity, or ecology.