New homeless hostel in Coventry approved

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New homeless hostel in Coventry approved

Postby dutchman » Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:04 pm

A separate bid failed this month, but a second site has seen permission granted

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Fresh plans to turn student housing into a homeless hostel in Coventry have been approved.

A total of 27 bedrooms will be made available across 96-98 and 100 Holyhead Road to provide supported temporary accommodation for homeless individuals.

Up to 17 council staff will run the building within office hours, while security cover will be provided out of office hours alongside CCTV.

The scheme has been put forward by Coventry City Council as a way of providing more suitable housing for vulnerable people at a more cost-effective rate.

Hotels and B&Bs have previously been used but that has seen the council’s housing and homelessness service drum up continuously large overspends – £3.4m last year.

People placed there will stay on a temporary basis for between one week to six months.

Plans were granted delegated approval on Friday, October 23.

The property at 96-98 Holyhead Road is one of two purpose-built student blocks the authority agreed to purchase from Coventry University in March.

However the other at 72A St Margaret Road had planning permission refused a fortnight ago due to concerns from neighbours and councillors over crime and security.

The block at 96-98 Holyhead Road consists of 26 bedrooms with five communal bathroom and kitchen spaces.

The adjoining property at 100 Holyhead Road is currently a five-bedroom property, but four rooms will be converted into offices while the fifth bedroom will be used as additional temporary accommodation.

Access to both properties is provided from Holyhead Road, with access from an undercroft via 96-98 Holyhead Road leading to a 13-space car park for staff.

The council has not specified when use of the hostel will begin.

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dutchman
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Re: New homeless hostel in Coventry approved

Postby dutchman » Tue Oct 27, 2020 8:04 pm

Meanwhile, the private houses directly opposite are being turned into student flats! :clown:
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