By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Hundreds of people have been petitioning both for and against plans to turn a friary into accommodation for people who are homeless.
Support charity Emmanuel House has submitted plans to transform the Franciscan Friary, in Gordon Road, Thorneywood, into accommodation for seven adults.
The friary building, built in the 1960s, is attached to the older Our Lady and St Edward’s Catholic Church which will still be available for parish use.
A petition objecting to the plans has been signed by 215 people.
It states: “We are requesting that the planning application for change of use of the Old Friary is refused.
“The community voice believes that the location is not appropriate to its location, in close proximity of three schools, Marmion Park and in the middle of a housing estate.”
A further four neighbouring residents have objected.
However, the parish priest for the Our Lady and St Edward Church has written in support of the proposal, noting that 294 people have signed a separate petition saying it should go ahead.
Another 22 representations have also been received in support of the proposals, including the headteacher of the Our Lady and St Edward Catholic School, who provided a statement noting “concerns have been taken into account and the work of the applicant Emmanuel House is in line with the school’s values”.
Emmanuel House says there will be case workers attending Monday to Friday, helping residents access housing, benefits, work, and other services.
The service will act as a platform so users can access longer-term accommodation.
Planning documents say: “The proposed residential environment for occupiers is satisfactory, particularly as the building was designed to provide residential accommodation.
“Whilst it is noted that the site is close to the social club, the proposed facility is for the homeless, rather than the drug or alcohol dependent, and there is no evidence that the location is directly inappropriate in this regard.
“The applicant has advised there would be at least one support worker on site at all times and that the occupiers would have low-level needs.
“The project is being undertaken with the support of the Holy Family Parish, who would continue to use the adjacent site as a place of worship.
“This indicates that there would be satisfactory management arrangements in place to ensure that the amenity of nearby occupiers is maintained.”
The plans will be discussed at a Nottingham City Council Planning Committee meeting on February 21 and have been recommended for approval.
