Shrewsbury care home to be turned into flats for homeless people

Coton Hill House is to help people move on to fully independent living, Shropshire Council has said

Plans have been approved by councillors to turn a former care home into supported housing for homeless people.

Coton Hill House in Shrewsbury, which is currently vacant, will become 25 self-contained flats.

The proposals, recommended for approval, were formally backed at a Shropshire Council meeting on Tuesday.

More than 250 residents had objected to the plans, with some citing concerns about anti-social behaviour which they said would make them feel unsafe.

Twelve members of the public supported the scheme, alongside the charity The Ark.

Shropshire Council said the project would not be a "hostel or homeless shelter for rough sleepers" and aimed to help people move on to fully independent living.