PLANNING bosses at Warrington have refused to give their seal of approval to a shelter for the homeless where it is alleged anti-social activity is taking place.
They have rejected a retrospective application for planning consent for the shelter in Bewsey Street, Warrington.
Nearby residents, backed by councillors Pat Wright and Bob Timmis, had opposed the scheme.
Members of the borough’s development control committee were told premises, formerly used as a clinic, had been converted a shelter for the homeless without planning consent.
There had been allegations of anti-social activity since the change.
The property had five bedrooms, a communal area and kitchen and bathroom facilities.
Support for the scheme had come from the National Probation Service, who claimed if it were not available the homeless situation in Warrington would be much more severe.
Planning officers said while the anti-social activity could cause harm to the living conditions at neighbouring residential properties, this was outweighed by the need for accommodation for homeless or vulnerable people in Warrington.
They suggested planning consent should be granted for a temporary period of 12 months.
But after a lengthy debate, the committee decided to refuse permission.
