51 short-stay units at Pinewood House, Answorth Close, Chichester

What was proposed

The application sought to change student accommodation into 51 short-stay units for homeless people, with internal alterations, parking and security cameras.

“The application proposes the change of use of a building within the settlement boundary to create 51 short stay accommodation units for the purpose of housing homeless individuals. There is an outstanding need for the provision of temporary homeless accommodation, and the proposal would provide a sizable contribution towards that need. The site is located within a sustainable location and makes an efficient use of an unused building within the settlement boundary.”

“The application seeks the change of use of the existing building from student accommodation to short-stay temporary accommodation units. The proposal seeks to reduce the amount of accommodation from 54 units to 51 units. Each room would be occupied by a single individual with a maximum of 51 occupants at one time. The occupants would share dining, kitchen, lounge, laundry and restroom facilities spread over the three floors.”

Officer report

The site

Pinewood House is a three-storey former student accommodation building with landscaped areas, existing parking and access from the south.

“The application site is located within the defined settlement boundary and within Chichester parish. The site is also located within the Chichester and Langstone Harbours Special Protection Area (SPA) buffer and the Chichester Harbour Fluvial Catchment.”

“Pinewood House is located to the north of the Graylingwell Park development and north- east of Havenstoke Park. The site contains a three-storey detached building formally used for student accommodation serving the University of Chichester. To the south and west of the building are two landscaped greens, surrounded by a boundary of mature trees and shrubbery. Access to the site is achieved using an existing connection to Blomfield Drive to the south.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council raised parking and management points, while highways and housing officers supported the proposal and other consultees gave advice or no objection.

“Please note that all representations are summarised. Comments can be viewed in full on the Council's public access system, and the latest comments from the Parish Council are provided at Appendix 1 to this report.”

“No objection, in principle, however, raise the following comments: • Need to ensure sufficient parking and turning for drop off and pick up. • Needs to consider people with immediate housing needs. • Requires compliance with a management plan minimising disturbance.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors, a supporter, the agent and a councillor addressed the committee.

The vote

The committee supported the officer recommendation to permit the application by a show of hands.

“Following a vote by show of hands, the Committee agreed to support the report recommendation to permit.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted for the proposal, subject to the conditions and informatives in the report.

“Resolved: Permit, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.”

Minutes