Vulnerable unit given green light – but rail line must be fenced off
SUPPORTED accommodation for vulnerable people can be built - if a steel fence is also put up to prevent trespass onto railway lines.
Cheshire East Council has granted planning permission for the three-storey block at the site of a scrap metal yard on Windmill Street, Macclesfield.
But planners attached a condition that a 1.8m trespass-proof fence must be built before work starts, at the request of Network Rail.
It follows a letter of objection from a nearby resident that said the train line behind the site could be a potential ‘suicide risk’.
Plans came from developers CKCS but the homes will be used by East Cheshire Housing Consortium (ECHC), who provide housing for vulnerable people, primarily those with mental health problems.
The objection letter states: “For this site I would also echo the concerns raised in Ashton-underLyne about a similar facility being proposed to be built so close to a train line and the associated suicide risk.
“Have Network Rail been consulted on this proposal? What will be put in place to ensure the safety of the proposed residents and users of the railway?”
This was the only letter of objection submitted by the public.
It also stated housing should be provided for permanent residents ‘who have a vested interest in making the area a safe and desirable place to live’, rather than temporary ones.
Upon completion, which it is hoped will be this year, the development will house up to 13 people in one fivebed house and eight onebed apartments.
The five residents in the house would have 24-hour monitoring while those in the flats would require ‘floating support’.
Only four parking spaces have been provided for staff and visitors as tenants will not hold a driving licence, it is said. Brenda Wright, chief executive officer at ECHC, said:
“We are particularly excited by our Windmill Street development.
“We believe it provides an ideal combination of benefits for our supported living tenants, who will be provided with excellent high quality accommodation, improving their wellbeing.
“This site caters for both those who require greater care and those that need a lighter touch, providing the former with the opportunity to transition into more independent living.”
A report by DEN Architecture submitted with the planning application states: “The proposal respects the neighbouring properties, encourages regeneration by enhancing the street scene and providing the local area with increased economic benefits.”