PLANS to build flats on a former filling station look likely to be approved when councillors meet later this week.

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council's planning committee will discuss plans to build 18, two-bedroomed flats, with parking and landscaped gardens on the former Fens Filling Station, when they meet on Wednesday.

The site is at the southern end of Catcote Road, between the Fens Hotel Pub and Stamford Walk.

The proposed development will back on to houses at Stamford Walk. The flats will have 20 parking spaces with private gardens backing on to flats at Catcote Road and Stamford Walk.

Residents have expressed concern about the development which would result in six trees, protected by a tree preservation order, being chopped down.

A report to the meeting said: "The proposed development will be situated on a derelict site which is currently an eyesore, the impact upon neighbouring properties will be minimal.

"The fact that a number of protected trees will be removed is regrettable. However, the application does agree a planting scheme, which will more than mitigate against the loss of these trees and result in additional tree planting, adding to the amenity value of an adjoining open space."