Homeless shelter expansion looks set to go ahead

Plans to renovate and expand a homeless shelter look set to be waved through in Surrey.

Proposals by Guildford Borough Council for The Number 5 Hub on the town's York Road include converting a neighbouring property - which currently hosts three one-bedroom flats - into additional temporary accommodation for those in need.

The plans, which are due to be brought before the council's planning committee on Wednesday, come as Prime Minister Andy Burnham pledged to get rough sleepers in England off the streets before Christmas.

A planning officers' report called it an offer of "temporary safe accommodation to those at risk of sleeping rough while a more permanent solution is found".

The council submitted the application itself, with a covering letter stating that "there is a demonstrable and pressing need for homeless accommodation, supported by the continuation of existing accommodation on-site".

But it was also noted that the move would result in the loss of the three flats currently found in the adjacent property.

"The council are currently unable to provide a five-year housing land supply, which means the loss of any housing weighs against the proposal," the report added.

"Notwithstanding, the proposal would provide a necessary form of accommodation which goes in favour of the application."

The emergency shelter operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is currently run by a full time manager on weekdays along with a team of nine support staff, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

A minimum of two staff are on duty at any given time, and an out-of-hours call service is available in evenings and during weekends.

"All occupants are required to complete a comprehensive assessment prior to being offered a room to understand the causes of their homelessness and to identify support needs and risks," said a report.

"The facilities may be deemed unsuitable due to an individual's history, needs or where risks cannot be safely managed."

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