Back up plan will secure future of supported accommodation Ermin Hall Gloucester
Summary
A ‘fail safe’ will ensure planned supported accommodation will get the government funding it needs. Plans to convert Ermin Hall at 46-50 Denmark Road, Gloucester into supported living accommodation operated by Cheltenham YMCA were approved in October last year. The former student accommodation will be converted from 84 student bedrooms into 49 units of residential accommodation for supported living.
Details
The government will be contributing to the cost of conversion through a Homes England grant, which states it must be used for social housing and at social rents, and in perpetuity. Currently, the planning permission states this must be provided by Cheltenham YMCA. But limiting it to Cheltenham YMCA does not achieve the perpetuity required by the grant.
That is why the charity has applied to Gloucester City Council for a variation of this condition to allow the units to be operated by another similar registered provider of social housing for similar purposes. Gloucester City Council’s Planning Committee will discuss the proposal, which has been met with opposition from 22 local people and local councillor, Cllr Jeremy Hilton, next week (August 4).
Cllr Hilton said: “[It] Raises concerns that any alternative provider would compromise the special circumstance of the CYMCA pathway programme and would open it up to accommodate individuals off the street and sidestepping the vital intermediate steps of the pathway.
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“Recommend the application should be refused, and it be determined by the planning committee.” The local objections include: – Original condition was intended to safeguard the use of the site and the wellbeing and safety of existing residents – Proposal weakens this and broadens who may operate and manage the accommodation – Noise – Detrimental impact on residential amenity – Could be operated by any social housing provider – Could result in various forms of support living eg ex-offenders Council officers are recommending the committee gives the variation to the condition the green light.
The report to committee said: “If in an unforeseen circumstance the organisation no longer exists, the use would not be able to continue under the current wording.
The additional wording to Condition 3 expands on the operator but also ensures that the use can only be operated by Registered Provider of Social Housing, who are regulated by HM Government’s Regulator of Social Housing, and following the approved Management Plan. “This will ensure the operations of Ermin Hall remain in accordance with the Management Plan and within the social housing sector.
The use cannot be operated by a private developer or a non-registered organisation under this planning permission.” The accommodation to be provided at Ermin Hall will be for people with lower support needs, who are moving towards independence. Cheltenham YMCA operates a clear criteria ensuring placements at Ermin Hall are safe and appropriate.
Report source: Punchline Gloucester