Storm over night shelter for homeless

PLANS for a night shelter for homeless people near Warrington town centre have resulted in a storm of protest.
Objections have been received from Warrington Town Centre Residents’ Association and Warrington Masonic Hall – and from borough councillor Pat Wright.
But the scheme, in at Patten Hall, in Winmarleigh Street, Warrington, is being supported by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Golden Gates Housing, Holy Trinity Church – which owns the property – and a local charity.
Patten Hall has been standing empty for some years. But it was originally built as a church and for some years was used as an overflow magistrates’ court.
Opening Doors (North West) Ltd have applied for permission to change the use of the building to a 10-bed night shelter with external alterations including a “smoking shelter” canopy.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved.
The residents’ association says the change of use will result in increasing “coming and going” affecting the feeling of safety for nearby residents. They fear issues with drugs, alcohol and criminal activity, late night noise and parking problems which they claim are already a “nightmare.”
The Masonic Hall complains that the development is inappropriate in the town’s Cultural Quarter. They fear on-street incidents of “violent assault.”
Coun Wright said the proposal will have a detrimental effect on residential amenities and claims the applicant has refused to meet residents to discuss the application.
Planners say the development is acceptable, subjection to conditions to exclude a proposed “soup hatch” and to install CCTV.
Patten Hall is on the list of Locally Important Buildings.