PLANNING APPLICATION SUBMITTED FOR HOMELESS HUB

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has submitted a detailed planning application to create a homeless hub at International House on Stubbs Gate.

The application includes plans to remodel the building so that it can offer drop-in support forvulnerable and homeless residents five days a week as well as 24/7 supported accommodation to ensure no second night out.

In particular, the plans include:

• Spaces where people can be supported by different organisations – to overcome financial problems, sustain tenancies and find local affordable homes for example –without the need for an appointment.

• 12 bedrooms, including two with disabled access.

• Showers and laundry facilities.

The council secured external funding to purchase the 600m2 building – which was originally designed as office space.

Gillian Taylor, Acting Service Director for Regulatory Services at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “As a council, we aim to end rough sleeping in the borough by 2025.If it does occur, we aim for it to be rare, brief and for it not to keep happening for the same people.

“We already run a support service two days a week and the proposals we have put forwardwould allow us to grow this and support more people.

“The plans are now open for consultation as part of the planning process and we would welcome people’s feedback.”

People can view and comment on the planning proposals on the Council’s planning portal.The planning consultation is open until Friday, 2 August.