By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to turn a former friary in St Ann’s into accommodation for the homeless have again been given the go ahead by a planning committee after “errors of fact” were found.
Charity Emmanuel House’s proposal to convert the Franciscan Friary in Gordon Road, Thorneywood, into accommodation for seven people who are homeless were given the green light in February.
Approval was granted despite significant opposition to the proposals, although some people living locally also wrote in support of the plan.
However, following the granting of planning consent, “errors of fact” came to light in the application, new council reports show.
Further representations against the plans were also received.
During a Nottingham City Council Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 20, the corrected plans were again approved after a debate.
It was not revealed during the meeting specifically what the errors were or who had made them.
Making representations before the debate, St Ann’s ward councillor Corall Jenkins (Lab) said a material factor in the reports had been wrong.
“It is questionable if satisfactory accommodation can be achieved,” she said.
“We have seen since this last meeting a number of residents sitting outside on the streets, who are going to take up occupation there potentially, whilst residents are taking their young children to school.
“It is the view that although assisted support will be indoors, nothing will be available outdoors. The freedom for young people to grow and thrive will be minimised as the council seeks to integrate complex needs in an area with three schools.”
Emmanuel House has since specifically clarified people with “low needs” will be housed at the facility and the charity has submitted a management report in a bid to quash concerns.
Previously, it had been said those with “low to medium needs” would be housed in the accommodation and specifics had not been detailed.
The management plan confirms there will be one staff member at the house at all times covering 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a caseworker working Monday to Friday.
The plan says: “The model is designed to support people with low needs that are ready to be able to move into private rented properties and may be considering returning to work.
“They will have local connection to Nottingham city and be able to claim Housing Benefits. They will have to have a housing officer at Housing Solutions.
“They may have a history of substance misuse but this must be under control and they must be working with a substance misuse worker. Mental health must be under control and they must be working with a medical professional such as a GP or MH worker.
“They can have a history of criminal record but must not have a history of violence, arson or sexual crimes.”
Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab), a member of the committee, said monitoring of behaviour must be extended to the vicinity outside the premises itself.
He added there must also be a point of contact if residents want to raise concerns.
Six councillors voted in favour of the plans, while three voted against and two abstained.
The decision will supersede the previous vote in February.
