New apartments for the homeless are set to be built in Nottingham despite concerns over antisocial behaviour. Homelessness charity Framework looks set to build a three storey building on a vacant car park on the corner of Gregory Boulevard and Birkin Avenue, between Radford and Hyson Green, with the plan recommended for approval by Nottingham City Council's planning committee on January 18.
It says the development, which would consist of eight one-bedroom apartments, would provide housing for some of the most vulnerable people in the community. Framework hopes to open the "much-needed" accommodation by spring 2024, with it expecting to cost around £1.8m.
Representations have been received from the occupiers of 12 properties on Premier Road, who objected to the proposal, with the planning officer noting most supported the work of Framework but considered the location to be inappropriate. Most objectors claimed Hyson Green and Arboretum Ward has almost three times as many Framework properties as any other ward and labelled this 'disproportionate', however Framework has contested these figures.
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Neighbours also suggested it would be difficult for people to address alcohol or drug problems in an area where 'there is entrenched street drinking and visible drug dealing'. They also alleged Framework tenants had engaged in antisocial behaviour, which applicants Framework have said is hearsay rather than evidenced.
In contrast, Nottingham Civic Society supported the proposed development which it said was on a 'prominent' corner site in Hyson Green, as the new building's design took reference from nearby traditional terraces with prominent bay windows. Some locals had also previously endorsed the plans, despite the objections that have been filed.
When the plans were submitted, Framework's corporate services director Dave Newmarch said: "Working in close partnership with Nottingham City Council we share a strategic priority to provide good quality accommodation for homeless people. This development off Birkin Avenue is to provide self-contained housing with intensive support for some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
"Our plan is for eight newly-built one bed flats and we have secured funding from the government towards this £1.8m scheme as well as support from the city council. Subject to the success of the current planning application we expect this much-needed accommodation to be ready for occupation in the spring of 2024."
Nottingham City Council planning officers, in a report submitted ahead of the planning committee, said the project would assist the authority's strategic approach to rough sleeping and single homelessness, providing a transition from supported accommodation to fully independent living.
They added: "Framework and the council’s housing teams note that the ‘housing first’ model being used here is intended to reduce the number of houses in multiple occupation operated by registered housing providers. This model of housing provision – of individual flats – can be seen as part of an aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and deprivation.
"It is accepted that additional housing of any kind potentially places greater pressure on public services such as GPs, although for a development of this scale it is not considered that the additional residents would place unreasonable or excessive demands on GP services. It is also noted that NHS funding is made available locally taking into account various factors, including population growth in an area. In any case, provision of good quality accommodation for rough sleepers and the homeless is most likely to reduce such pressure."
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