The provision of eight 'move-on apartments' for homeless people has been approved by Salford councillors. Members of the planning and transportation regulator panel gave the green light to the building of eight one-bedroom homes on the corner of Enfield Street and Worsley Road North in Walkden.
The panel was told by the council's development manager Dylan Vince that the homes would be a 'stepping stone between temporary accommodation and independent living'. "These homes are to help respond to increasing homelessness and a shortage of move on accommodation in the city," he said.
He said the scheme is one of four the council is developing across the city to deliver 28 new move on homes that offer both accommodation and support to people who have slept rough or those at risk of rough sleeping. Mr Vince said the scheme had been developed in consultation with homeless people who have influenced the design and layout of the properties.
READ MORE: 'Fascinating' emerging city centre neighbourhood named in 'best places to live' list
"Homelessness has been increasing in the city since 2012 and in 2021/22, 4,987 households presented as homeless in the city, an increase of 11 per cent on last year," he said. "In 2021 the council was accommodating 310 who have slept rough or been at significant risk of rough sleeping.
"In response, the council has attracted government funding of nearly £1.6million from the Rough Sleepers Accommodation Programme (RSAP) to help build the 28 units". Coun Tracy Kelly, statutory deputy city mayor and lead member for housing, property and regeneration at Salford City Council, said: “The accommodation and support made available by the council is designed to put residents on a pathway to permanent accommodation.
"They provide a genuine home with support that will help prepare those sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough for fully independent housing, within two years where possible.”
READ NEXT:
