Residents fear they will feel “vulnerable and unsafe” if plans to build homes for people who have experienced rough sleeping are approved, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
A proposal for eight new homes in Spennymoor has been submitted by Durham County Council, as part of plans to reduce homelessness in County Durham.
The homes are intended for vulnerable adults aged over 25, who have been rough sleeping or are at risk of rough sleeping and would be delivered by Durham County Council and the Single Homelessness Accommodation Programme (SHAP).
The development off Merrington View would consist of two buildings divided into four two-storey homes, with private gardens and parking spaces.
A site manager would live in one of the homes and provide management and support to residents around the clock.
It is hoped tenants will move into mainstream or other suitable housing with a reduced level of support after two years.
However, Tudhoe county councillor Billy McAloon requested the application be considered at a planning committee due to the impact on safety for nearby elderly and disabled residents, and the loss of green space.
His concerns were supported by 12 letters of objection.
Just one letter of support was submitted.
Cllr McAloon said: “[Residents] worry that they along with elderly and disabled people who live in nearby bungalows will feel vulnerable and unsafe perhaps even become threatened by the introduction of more people who have complex social problems into their adjacent locality, not only that but they bemoan the loss of their last remaining small green space which has only recently had some new trees planted.
“Because of these concerns and the volume of people who have contacted me with those concerns, I propose that this application should be called into planning committee to decide on its viability.”
The local authority said Spennymoor was identified for the housing following a “data-led exercise with the government which established the need for this type of supported accommodation within the south of the county.”
Durham County Council’s planning department recommended the plans be approved ahead of a committee meeting on Thursday 13 February.
A statement from the applicant reads: “The scheme will be managed directly by the council [which] has engaged a specialist support provider to help support the clients.
“All potential residents will be assessed by the council taking account of any views of other professionals who may have been involved with the clients in the past including police, probation, health services and veteran services.
“Any risks would be assessed with a focus on any risks posed to the staff, the other vulnerable residents in the scheme and the wider community.
“The development will provide accommodation for seven vulnerable adults, aged over 25, who have been rough sleeping or are at risk of rough sleeping, as part of the UK Government’s commitment to end rough sleeping for good.
“The eighth unit will be occupied by support provider staff who will provide 24/7 support, 365 days a year.
“This unit will also be used to house the CCTV monitoring equipment for the scheme.
“The aim of the project is to provide intensive management and support to the residents for a period of up to two years to help them develop life skills with the aim of moving them into mainstream housing or other suitable housing with a reduced level of support.
This form of ‘starter tenancy’ will provide accommodation and support to enable the residents to manage and sustain their tenancy successfully.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
