Agenda item

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development.

(Report circulated)

Councillor Lyons withdrew from discussion of this item as she had campaigned to retain the hostel and left the meeting during consideration.

The Senior Area Planning Officer presented the application for change of use from dwelling to hostel for rough sleepers at 33 Pinhoe Road, Exeter.

Members were circulated with an update sheet - attached to minutes. A condition was included to ensure that a management plan was properly implemented, the plan now having been submitted. There would be a maximum of five clients at any one time and occupation by individuals would be for a maximum period of three nights.

The recommendation was for approval subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

Councillor Hannaford, having given notice under Standing Order No. 44, spoke on this item. He raised the following points:-

·         advised that the description of the proposal should be changed to read “change of use from dwelling to hostel for move on accommodation” rather than for “rough sleepers”

·         care would be taken to respect the sensibilities of residents and there would be a robust approach to those causing problems. The aim was to move those occupants not from the Exeter area back to their place of origin with the assistance of the relevant District Council

·         the proposal would help meet the Council’s duty to provide move on accommodation

·         a comprehensive hostel management plan would help ensure the effective management of the facility

·         similar provision in the St Thomas area has been effectively managed with minimal problems occurring

·         CCTV will be provided in the communal area

Mr Barkley (representing local property owners) spoke against the application. He raised the following points:-

·         representing both residents who live in the area and a landlord

·         objectors recognised the need for this facility but feel that it is in the wrong location

·         residents are concerned that, as well as housing individuals who have been homeless for a short period, the facility will also cater for long term, rough sleepers. These can possess chaotic lifestyles and entrenched anti-social behaviour and are therefore more likely to disrupt the neighbourhood

·         those who eventually leave the facility may return to the immediate area to sleep rough

·         excess student accommodation now available in the City could provide a suitable solution

Mr Hancock (Housing Needs Manager – Exeter City Council) spoke in support of the allocation. He raised the following points:-

·         105 incidents of “street activity” had been recorded during a survey undertaken in December 2012, of whom a third were individuals with no local connections and who had chosen Exeter to sleep rough as the City was perceived to be relatively safe. Surrounding market towns in Devon did not offer the same high level of support services for the homeless. Very often, the homeless advise one another of areas where greater support can be obtained which has resulted in many gravitating to Exeter

·         by seeking to offer accommodation in the area of origin the aim is to reduce the number of hard core, entrenched rough sleepers who often gravitate back to sleeping on the streets of Exeter

He responded, as follows, to Members’ queries:-

·         some 200 units of temporary accommodation are available in the City for the homeless

·         estimated that five individuals a week come to the City to sleep rough

·         of those sleeping rough in the City, approximately half are returned to the area of origin, the remainder becoming entrenched rough sleepers in the City

·         all potential occupiers will be risk assessed

RESOLVED that planning permission for change of use from dwelling to hostel for move on accommodation be approved subject to the following conditions:-

(Report circulated)