A COUNCILLOR has warned that a historic area of Hartlepool would become an amusement park without development.

Councillor Steve Allison's concerns were raised at yesterday's meeting of Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee when members discussed plans to build a doctor's surgery and pharmacy in Union Street, on the town's Headland.

Some residents objected to the development raising concerns about road safety, noise levels and vandalism.

There was also concern the buildings would be out of character with the rest of the area.

A statement on behalf of the objectors read out to the meeting said: "Aluminium profiled roofing, cedar boarding, laminated timber columns are not in keeping with this area.

"Many buildings are listed and most of this area is a conservation area.

"This area should be preserved and enhanced so our children can also enjoy it."

But Coun Allison said: "For the last two years we have been looking at sites all over the Headland and I think the area like the ancient borough needs a doctor's surgery.

"If we do not allow contemporary buildings we are in grave danger of the Headland becoming a twee little amusement park."

The committee approved the plan.