Student accommodation in Coventry to be converted into "refugee" housing

No changes will be made to the building as part of the proposal



A building that has been used as student accommodation is to be converted into housing for refugees. A planning application submitted to Coventry City Council for the change of use has recently been approved.

Hampton Hall, in Warwick Road near the Hylands Hotel, will contain 32 bedrooms that will be used by over 18s who have been granted leave to remain in the country. The property will be run by Spring Housing Association, a registered charity.

The planning application states: "The aim is to assist with developing life skills and assist with integration. On-site staff will be available to provide housing-related support.

"The overall aim of the supported accommodation is to support residents to make the transition to independent living, including support with housing, employment and integration."

The application comes after Spring Housing was awarded funding to provide the service for Coventry. The application continues: "This funding is to support refugees to integrate into their local community via sustainable housing and employment. Through this project, Spring provides a personal integration plan for each participant.

"This includes housing support such as assistance viewing properties, understanding occupancy agreement, support with bedding and essential household items, budgeting skills and move-on support. In terms of employment and integration, the project provides support with understanding transferrable skills and job adverts, writing CVs and completing application forms, interview skills, in-job support and employer liaison and awareness."

No physical internal or external changes are being made to the building as part of the application. There were four letters objecting to the application, raising issues around anti-social behaviour and proximity to nearby schools.

The building has been used for a number of purposes over the years including a home for the blind, a hotel, a care home, bedsits and most recently student accommodation.

Does this mean that we will now stop building unnecessary student accommodation?