Anti-social activity at homeless shelter

ANTI-social behaviour is taking place at premises which were converted from a clinic to a shelter for the homeless without planning consent.
Now planning chiefs at Warrington are being urged to throw out a retrospective application for

permission to change the use of the premises in Bewsey Street.
Angry residents have complained about anti-social activity at the address – and local councillors Pat Wright and Bob Timmis have lodged objections.
But planning officers say while the anti-social activity causes harm to the living conditions at neighbouring residential properties, this is outweighed by the need for accommodation for homeless or vulnerable people in Warrington.
They suggest planning consent should be granted for a temporary period of 12 months.
The issue will be considered by the borough council’s development control committee next week.
Planners say the property has five bedrooms, a communal area and kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The National Probation Service claims if the facility was not available, the homeless situation in Warrington would be much more severe.