Homeless accommodation plan decision delayed again

The former guesthouse could become supported accommodation

A decision on controversial plans for accommodation for homeless women has been delayed again.

Sunderland City Council wants to give objectors a final chance to have their say about converting The Sheiling, off Fatfield Road, Washington, into a supported living site.

Hundreds of objections were submitted during the authority's consultation on the scheme but two residents expected at a meeting to discuss it did not turn up.

Planning committee chair Melanie Thornton said it was "only fair" they were heard.

Council planning documents said the service for up to five single women aged 18-25 who “find themselves homeless” would be operated by the Changing Lives charity.

The aim was to help residents "live safely in the scheme and gain skills to allow them to move on to living in their own property", they said.

Sunderland City Council has heard a range of concerns about the scheme

But concerns have been raised about privacy, anti-social behaviour, impact on house prices, and increased traffic and noise.

Several objectors were worried about safeguarding, given the property’s close proximity to schools, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

A decision was due to be made in October but councillors put it on hold to allow for a formal site visit and expected to consider the plans again at their following meeting.

But that was pushed back into the new year and then two residents who had registered to speak failed to attend.

Ms Thornton proposed deferring a decision due to the “level of public interest” and because the committee did not know why the residents had not appeared.

Some members wanted to avoid further delays but it was agreed to put off the decision until 5 February and to remind the residents they needed to attend if they had registered to do so.

Ms Thorton said: "With the level of objection, I think it’s only fair that we hear them."