Decision made on controversial supported housing plans in Sunderland
Homeless supported accommodation plan approved in Ashbrooke area v.1
A seven-bedroom supported housing scheme aimed at helping homeless people rebuild their lives and move into independent accommodation has been approved in Sunderland.
City councillors have given the go-ahead to plans to transform 5 The Elms West, in Ashbrooke, despite concerns from residents over parking pressures in the area.
Sunderland City Council, which submitted the application, says the scheme is needed as the city “faces an increase in homelessness” and will provide residents with “24/7 on-site dedicated support”.
The accommodation, which will be operated by Tyne Housing, is intended to help residents grow in confidence before moving on to secure, independent living.
Plans for the property have been discussed several times at the planning and highways committee, but decisions have been deferred following local concerns and requests for a management plan and travel plan.
The application returned to the decision-making panel on Monday (September 7) following the submission of a ‘travel plan strategy’, and council planning officers recommended the application for approval.
A member of the public spoke at the meeting raising concerns about existing parking pressures at The Elms West, and said the travel plan “simply lists travel options” and had not relieved local concerns.
However, the representation was not enough to sway the committee, who voted to approve the supported accommodation scheme.
A council representative confirmed the supported accommodation would not allow visitors, in line with similar schemes elsewhere in the city, and stressed appropriate checks were carried out before placements were made.
Council planners noted that the submitted travel plan strategy aimed to provide staff with guidance, information and support to encourage sustainable choices and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
A detailed staff travel plan will also have to be submitted to address the limited parking available on The Elms West.
Under planning conditions, the scheme must be brought forward within three years.
For more information, visit the council’s planning portal website and search for reference 25/01466/LP3.