Middleton Cabins proposal

Published Wednesday, 17th January 2018

Hartlepool Borough Council is taking a proposal to the Middleton Cabin owners which, if accepted, would enable the cabins to remain on their current site until April 2019.

The cabins, which originated in the 1950s, have been in their current location since 2009.

Hartlepool Borough Council previously enabled the Middleton cabin owners to remain on their current site by agreeing to lease the land from PD Ports at a market rate rent and then charge the cabin owners a subsidised rent.

However, due to severe budget pressures, the council was looking to serve a break notice to PD Ports and the cabin owners which would have taken effect in February 2018.

However, a meeting is now planned to take place tomorrow (Thursday 18 January) where a proposal will be made to cabin owners which would mean they can remain on their current site if they agree to pay the rent in full.

Councillor Kevin Cranney said: “After being lobbied by Councillor McLaughlin on a number of occasions regarding the Middleton Cabins and positive dialog with PD Ports, I am absolutely delighted we have been able to agree this proposal which would allow cabin owners to remain on the current site.

“We support local community groups wherever possible and this proposal gives them time to seek alternative options for their future.”

Councillor Mike McLaughlin added: “I am pleased the Council is taking this positive step with the Middleton cabin owners.

“It is the result of many hours of lobbying the Chair of the Regeneration Services Policy Committee, other members of the Committee and the Council Leader and I am grateful for their agreement to my proposal.

“Ultimately, a way forward can only now be found by direct engagement between Council officers and the cabin owners and I wish them well in those discussions.”