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Protests fail to shut gay hostel
A controversial hostel for homeless young gay men has been give permission to stay open for 12 months.
The Gay and Lesbian Supported Housing Project has been granted planning permission to operate for one year at Ingleside, Tunstall Road, Sunderland, despite a string of complaints from neighbours.
The centre – previously operated by HIV and AIDS charity Wear Body Positive – had been operating without permission since June 2009, but applied for "change of use" after discussions with Sunderland City Council.
The large detached house provides a home for 13 single young gay people, mainly young gay men who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
But neighbours say the noise and nuisance from the building is making
their lives a misery and have accused the charity of failing to meet health and safety standards.
A petition with 63 signatures and 29 letters was sent to the council, raising concerns and objections about the planning application.
Les Cheetham from the Ashbrooke Area Residents' Group spoke on behalf of neighbours at a planning meeting, saying all they wanted was "a peaceful life in their property."
Afterwards, he said residents would have to keep an eye on the situation before deciding what action to take next.
"We're going to have to see how it does," he said.
"We expected it to be honest, a recommendation from planners is very rarely voted against.
"We wanted our concerns on record."
Mr Cheetham, of Valebrooke Terrace, said the hostel had quietened down since the planning application went in and remained quiet after it was approved.
He said residents had met briefly with police and now planning permission was granted there were other methods which could be used if problems persist.
Councillors on the planning committee heard police had received 21 calls about Ingleside since June, with 11 in the first three weeks.
Most were about noise and antisocial behaviour, but four involved
arguing and fighting in the street outside the home.
Police and the council's antisocial behaviour officer visited Ingleside after complaints, and manager David Scoon told them two trouble-making residents had been evicted.
Councillors were told there had been further incidents, but no complaints were received after a mediation session in December.
Speaking at the meeting, Mr Scoon said he remained as manager of Ingleside despite the change in operator.
He said the house held the necessary licence and four members of staff were on site, two during the night.
St Michael's councillor Peter Wood sympathised with residents' concerns.
He said: "What residents and what neighbours want is a peaceful life and they are certainly entitled to that, and we must do all we can to ensure that they are able to engage in a peaceful life."
But Coun Wood added that there must be valid planning reasons to refuse the application. Other departments are responsible for licensing and safeguarding.
He also acknowledge the antisocial behaviour issues were being addressed.
Councillors approved planning permission for Ingleside, subject to a list of conditions – including that it will expire in 12 months' time.
The trustees will then have to apply for planning permission again and any problems encountered could count against them.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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