Former Telford GP surgery to be converted into housing for the homeless
A disused doctors is set to be converted into accommodation for the homeless, despite fears over potential anti-social behaviour.
Telford & Wrekin Council has approved plans for Aqueduct Surgery to be converted into five self-contained flats for supported accommodation.
The building is set to be taken over by the homelessness charity, Maninplace to use as starter units to help integrate individuals back into society.
Concerns have been raised relating to potential anti-social behaviour and the appropriateness of the use due to nearby schools and nurseries.
However, a council planning officer has approved the development after stating that the development is in a ‘sustainable location’ and therefore ‘it would not be reasonable’ to object plans on that basis.
“The purpose of this type of accommodation is to ensure they are located sustainably within existing communities so that individuals can integrate into society locally,” the planning officer concluded.
“Anti-social behaviour itself is not a planning consideration. It is not envisaged that noise/disturbance would be anything more than expected for a typical dwellinghouse.”
