Police building to become homeless accommodation

The plans for the disused block have been approved despite some concerns from local residents

Homeless people will temporarily move into a former police accommodation block despite some neighbours’ concerns.

Planning officers have approved the city council’s plans for the disused building next to the West Midlands Police station on Chace Avenue, Willenhall in Coventry.

Up to 36 people, either homeless or at risk of being of homelessness, will be able to stay in the block for up to six months

Some residents were unhappy with the plans and raised concerns with eight highlighting the building’s location near two primary schools. Others supported the pland and the council said there would be security at the site.

One resident said: "I don’t like the idea of the proposal, because it’s an isolated area, there are schools, there are young girls/boys walking to school.

Another called it "a really bad idea."

Just over a dozen people also questioned who would move into the block, with two people lodging formal objections to the scheme.

Objectors said they sympathised with homeless peoples’ needs, but feared the building's new use would bring in people struggling with mental health challenges or substance abuse, which could negatively affect residents.

Council officers said there would be enough safety and security at the site, and the authority already ran supported temporary schemes with 92 beds in the city.

Vulnerable people would be housed at the site and there is an "element of care" associated with the plans, but there would be no harmful impact on residents, it said.

Residents also gave 11 comments supporting plans for the building, which has been disused for seven years.

Demand for homeless services has soared in the past year and a half, the planning statement said. It added: "To respond to the escalating rate of homelessness, the council needs to implement measures across the city."

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