Decision due for more Cornish homeless units
A planning application for more one-bedroom modular units on a site in Cornwall is set to be presented to the local authority today.
Plans for the units, which would be situated on the council-owned Cormac highways depot at Newtown in London Rock, near Penzance, could consist of 18 new homes for former rough sleepers alongside a management and support building.
The management building would be used by staff from Cornwall Housing Limited, the two-storey building will have meeting spaces as well as a 24-hour security service and CCTV. The site will be managed by Cornwall Housing, which has been responsible for a previous temporary accommodation site in Long Rock.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning officers have recommended that the application be approved.
In a report, planning officers have said: ‘In terms of the benefits of the scheme, it is acknowledged that the scheme would increase the supply of specialist ‘move-on’ housing, which is an identified priority of the current housing shortage within Cornwall.
‘The proposal has significant social and economic benefits by having purpose-built accommodation available, rather than the council using expensive and less suitable alternative accommodation as it does at present.’
If the project is accepted the existing two-storey building and structures on the site would be replaced. The modular units would be arranged in one single-storey row of six pods and a two-storey row of 12 units.
The report adds: ‘Each unit would have its own front door. Internally units would provide all the facilities, amenities and equipment a person would need to live independently in a self-contained but manageable space.
‘There would be a small patio area to the front of each unit to provide a semi-provide outdoor amenity space. The grounds would be landscaped with planters for growing of vegetables, a games table, clothes drying areas, a smoking shelter and picnic benches.’
Alongside constructing areas for entertainment and general living, the scheme has also been designed around the ‘micro neighbourhoods’ concept, with the layout created to foster a sense of community whilst providing a secure place for residents to live.
Ludgvan Parish Council has supported the application and in comments submitted in December, said: ‘The parish council has no objection to the facility, but is concerned at the proposed location as it is considered to be too far from shops and local services and the public transport links are poor.
‘Many of the inhabitants will be vulnerable and so a more supportive location would be preferred. If the development goes ahead, then the parish council requests that there will be a support worker on site on a 24/7 basis.’
Image: Darren Welsh