Homeless accommodation centre at 1, 3 and 5 York Road, Guildford

What was proposed

The scheme would refurbish the existing shelter, convert three flats into homeless accommodation, and provide healthcare facilities and extended communal areas.

“The application site is located on York Road and consists of three buildings; 3 - 5 York Road being a pair of two storey buildings used as homeless accommodation and 1 York Road being three 1-bedroom residential units. There is an area of car parking to the rear, accessed to the side of 1 York Road.”

“Refurbishment of existing homeless shelter (Nos. 3 and 5 York Road) and change of use from residential (C3) to homeless accommodation (No.1 York Road) into a single homeless accommodation centre (Sui Generis) and ancillary healthcare office / facility including extension to the communal facilities in Nos. 3 and 5 with other associated works.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the housing need, reuse of buildings and improved facilities outweighed the loss of three residential units.

“The proposed development would result in the loss of three residential units, each one bed flats. The Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five year housing land supply and any loss of housing should be afforded significant weight.”

“The Council have considered the matters that weigh against and in favour of the development. It is acknowledged that there would be a loss in C3 housing. However, this would be relatively limited and would be replaced by homeless accommodation in a highly sustainable location, close to key services and community facilities. It would also adjoin and be used in conjunction with the adjacent homeless accommodation which is proposed to be refurbished.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highway authority and environmental health service raised no objection subject to conditions, while no third-party comments were received.

“Statutory consultees County Highway Authority: no objection subject to the recommended conditions.”

“Internal consultees Head of Environmental Health and Licensing: no objection subject to the recommended conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A senior planning officer presented the proposal, existing and proposed floor plans, and the main planning considerations; no members wished to speak.

What members considered

Members heard that most works were internal, the accommodation was acceptable despite some rooms missing space guidance, and the location supported sustainable travel.

“Although a number of the proposed bedrooms would not meet the Nationally Described Space Standards, these were guidance and, given the transient nature of the accommodation and the improvements proposed to the existing facilities, officers considered the accommodation acceptable.”

“Members were advised that the site was sustainably located close to Guildford town centre and that conditions were proposed to secure cycle parking and electric vehicle charging facilities to encourage sustainable travel by staff. While the proposal would result in the loss of three Class C3 residential units, officers considered that this was outweighed by the provision of improved homeless accommodation, addressing an important housing need within the borough.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee voted nine in favour, none against and none abstaining on the motion to approve.

“The Chair moved the motion to approve application 26/P/00492, subject to the conditions and reasons as set out in the Officer’s report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Houston and was carried.”

“FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. Councillor Maddy Redpath X 2. Councillor George Potter X 3. Councillor Masuk Miah X 4. Councillor Dominique Williams X 5. Councillor David Bilbe X 6. Councillor Yves de Contades X 7. Councillor Joanne Shaw X 8. Councillor Catherine Houston X 9. Councillor Joss Bigmore X TOTALS 9 0 0”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the officer recommendation.

“RESOLVED: That application 26/P/00492 be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes