The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Residents’ objections to supported living plans
A DECISION on controversial plans to build supported housing for homeless people in Pelaw has been delayed.
Gateshead Council’s planning committee convened to consider an application from Tyne Housing Association for 20 one-bedroom flats on vacant land between Queen Victoria Street allotments and Wynn Gardens.
The proposed flats, according to Tyne Housing, will offer supported housing for adults, many of whom are likely to have experienced homelessness.
The flats will also include a communal hub with spaces for “development, progression activities, and support services from external agencies”. However, the proposals have drawn the ire of locals and generated 50 objections on the council’s online planning portal.
Opposing residents have spoken about their concerns ranging from the prospective building’s potential to be overbearing and overlook neighbouring properties, to parking and highways.
Residents also spoke to committee members about their concerns about anti-social behaviour and community safety.
Neil Harbon, of Jonadab Street, said: “The police have said it is a low crime area but residents and businesses are being asked increasingly for CCTV footage. Local shops are removing shelving and items due to shoplifting and reports of anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, and theft in the area are being met with no response.” Louise Wilson, director of
programmes and business development at Tyne Housing, said: “All referrals to the scheme will go through Gateshead Council and will include rigorous safety assessments process that ensures the person is right for the scheme and the community.
“Most people living here when it is finished will be vulnerable citizens of Gateshead who need a safe place to live, who would be at risk of rough sleeping and could cause more problems to the community if they were rough sleeping and far greater cost to the public purse.”
Ms Wilson also stated that of the 293 residents currently living in their supported housing projects elsewhere, only nine have access to a car.
Tyne Housing’s director of programmes and business development also stated that 53% of people who use their supported living offer move on to permanent housing.
Northumbria Police raised no objections to the proposals.
Councillors have now decided to defer their decision in order to conduct a site visit, which will take place before the next planning committee meeting next month.