Washington homeless accommodation plan approved

The house in Washington is set to be converted to house five women aged 18 to 25

Plans for a supported accommodation scheme for homeless women have been approved by councillors on Wearside.

It will see a building called The Sheiling in Washington converted into a supported-living development for up to five women aged 18 to 25.

Sunderland City Council says the service will be operated by its "specialised partner" Changing Lives.

More than 200 public objections had been submitted during an official consultation.

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

Concerns from objectors ranged from privacy and the suitability of the location to anti-social behaviour, impact on house prices and increased traffic and noise.

A decision had been expected in October but was deferred to allow for a site visit.

A further delay came last month due to the absence of members of the public who had registered to speak in objection.

'Potential for disruption'

Arguments for and against the plans were put forward when the application returned to the Planning and Highways Committee this week.

Several objectors spoke at the meeting and a letter was also read out on behalf of the chair of governors at Biddick Primary School, warning of "a potential for disruption in our community which cannot be underestimated".

Council planners stressed the facility would be "managed" with resident risk assessments, a curfew between 23:00 and 07:30 and visitors only being allowed by "prior arrangement with support staff".

The application was approved by a majority of councillors present, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Stephen Foster said there was a similar development in his Castle ward that had no issues, adding the Washington site, off Fatfield Road, was "ideal" with "ample parking".

Councillor Michael Dixon, meanwhile, described it as having "excellent reasoning behind it" but added: "I think this application has actually caused a lack of community cohesion already.

"I do sometimes find it strange that other locations can't be found which are not right in the middle of a private residential area and also near schools."