Student flats set to become women’s refuge
A HOUSING association wants to change a vacant student accommodation building in the centre of Derby into an emergency hostel for vulnerable women.
The three-storey student building, which was originally a nursing home, is in Stafford Street and has an open yard to the rear which provides car parking.
The charity First Alliance Housing has submitted a planning application to Derby City Council for the change of use and an accompanying design statement says that the property “has been identified as an important safe space for women fleeing from domestic violence”.
It adds it will be “an essential step forward in the plight to increase housing provision for this cohort”.
The company has around 400 properties across the UK which cater for vulnerable women seeking refuge. It will be supported by an unnamed national housing service provider.
The building would cater for up to 32 women with shared communal areas and kitchen facilities. They will be referred to the charity based on their support needs on a case by case basis.
They would stay at the property until they are able to move into more independent accommodation, also provided by the charity.
The statement adds: “The numbers of women fleeing domestic violence has increased exponentially in recent years and provision of accommodation of this nature is in great need. The charity provides essential support and aid to women who have not only suffered from continuous abuse, but who have also been without a safe place to live as a result of their abusive home life.”
The car park will only be used by staff and occasional approved visitors, as tenants are not allowed access to a vehicle.
No changes to the building are required but the applicant would commit “significant capital funds to an internal refurbishment programme”.
The application is expected to be decided within the next eight to 12 weeks.