Council grants itself permission to create hostel

A planning application was submitted when the building was being used as a HMO for up to 36 people

A council in West Sussex has given itself planning permission to officially change the use of a town centre building into a hostel for up to 68 people.

The application for 6-9 Ifield Road in Crawley was submitted in 2022, when the building was being used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for up to 36 people.

Delays due to water neutrality issues saw Crawley Borough Council open the hostel before being given planning permission, but this was granted last week, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Council officers said the hostel would provide temporary accommodation for Crawley people in need, not for asylum seekers.

Ian Irvine, cabinet member for housing, said: "This hostel, when fully occupied, has the potential to save the council £834,000 per year over nightly paid temporary accommodation.

"That would make a very big difference to our already stretched council finances."

The council declared a housing emergency last year at a point when the level of demand for temporary accommodation was out-stripping the space available.

Leader Michael Jones has previously said the cost of this provision is "not sustainable".

Councillors have acknowledged concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area but cited its proximity to the high street as a potential factor.

Mr Jones said there had been only one complaint about anti-social behaviour since the hostel opened.

It was also pointed out that other incidents raised by objectors, which saw emergency services parked along the street outside the hostel, did not involve hostel residents.

No physical changes will be made to the building but landscaping will be carried out to make it more pleasant for the families who will stay there.

In response to concerns about the size of the rooms, some of which will hold as many as four people, officers said there was no adopted planning guidance on this area which remains a matter for the council.

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