Planners defer decision on beds for the homeless

PLANNING chiefs have put off a decision on proposals to provide emergency bedrooms for the homeless at Warrington.
Members of the borough council’s development management committee decided to defer a decision on the application to convert a chapel into emergency overnight rooms at the James Lee House Salvation Army hostel in Brick Street.
Chairman Cllr Tony McCarthy said: “We were under the impression the eight rooms, although very basic, would be in addition to existing emergency overnight accommodation at the Room at the Inn night shelter in Warrington.
“But a number of objectors came to the meeting and claimed the new rooms could be at the expense of the loss of rooms at Room at the Inn, or even the closure of Room at the Inn.
“There seemed to be some doubts about the future of Room at the Inn so we decided to defer a decision until we had established what exactly was happening.”
There committee had been told the new accommodation would cater for the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless.
Public health chiefs believed the new provision would ensure those in need of emergency care would be safely housed and would have access to appropriate support for their needs, including substance misuse.
No additional staff would be required as the premises is staffed by the Salvation Army with people adequately trained and experienced to provide support.
The aim would be to resettle individuals into permanent accommodation.
Officers recommended the scheme be approved.