Flats plan is likely – in face of protests
CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a former Widnes care home into shared accommodation look set to be given the green light despite hundreds of objections from local residents.
Proposals to turn Cartref House Nursing Home on Derby Road into houses in multiple occupation (HMO) were first unveiled in July.
The scheme would feature 29 rooms with shared kitchen, bathrooms and living areas. Six of the rooms would be self-contained apartments.
The home was forced to close in 2018 due to financial reasons and has been empty ever since.
The plans led to a fierce backlash from local residents, with many turning out for a special meeting at Widnes Cricket Club to voice their opposition, fearing the project would cause traffic problems and “drag down” the Farnworth area.
Two petitions opposing the scheme picked up a combined 549 signatures, with 252 individual objections also being received.
Four letters of support were submitted.
The plans are set to go before the council’s Development Management Committee on Monday, November 1, where they are recommended for approval by officers.
A report the committee, said: “It should also be noted that the site is currently vacant and has been for some time.
“Bringing the building back into beneficial use would secure the future of the building and bringing more people into the area with potential benefits to the area and local economy.”
The report also found no evidence to support fears over possible future tenants raised by some objectors.
It added: “Objections have been received from local residents in relation to fears based on safety concerns over housing individuals with no background security checks, the proximity of the site to vulnerable people and schools, concerns that men congregating in groups would be intimidating to local residents and passers-by and concerns that there is not enough policing in the area.
“Whilst such concerns are capable of being a material planning consideration, no evidence has been provided that such problems would arise or as to the characteristics of future occupiers which may give rise to them.
“HMOs are a residential use providing accommodation for predominantly single adults and couples as a cheaper alternative to renting or buying a house or flat in the borough.
“On that basis it is considered that little or no weight can be attributed to such fears.”