Medical practice to become homeless accomodation

The former GP surgery closed in 2019

A former GP practice is set to become accommodation for the homeless.

Telford and Wrekin Council has approved plans for the Aqueduct Surgery to be converted into five self-contained flats for supported accommodation.

The building is set to be taken over by the homelessness charity, Maninplace.

It aims to use the rooms as a stepping stone to help integrate individuals back into society.

Concerns had been raised relating to potential anti-social behaviour and the appropriateness of the use due to nearby schools and nurseries.

But the application to convert the building was approved on the basis that it had been earmarked by the council as a "sustainable location".

Aqueduct Surgery closed during a reorganisation of GP services in 2019, partly because of a lack of parking.

A council report acknowledged it is in "a poor state of repair as it has been empty for some time".

Maninplace will be responsible for deciding who lives at the properties and while there will be no permanent staff presence on-site, it plans to visit the individuals housed there frequently.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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