Haven First’s planning applications for homelessness accommodation in Baldock approved

Following the meeting of the Planning Control Committee last night (1 December), the applications made by Haven First to provide supported housing accommodation to local people experiencing homelessness at 20 High Street, Baldock, were granted temporary permission for three years.

The two applications, one for the retention of 19 rooms, and one for an additional 10 rooms (29 rooms in total), were approved with certain conditions, including:

• The building must be vacated by 31 December 2025 – as residents will be moved into a permanent facility within three years.
• Certain crime prevention measures must be installed
  • CCTV system to monitor the side passageway
  • lock system for the ground floor bedroom doors which have access to the side passageway.

Cllr Tom Tyson, Vice-Chair of the Planning Control Committee, explained: “The Committee determined last night that the proposed design of the building was suitable to provide supported accommodation for homeless individuals over the three-year period in question. The decision to approve these applications was based on planning considerations which regulate the use, not the user, of the building.”

“I fully understand and appreciate the concerns of local people in relation to this scheme and would like to assure residents that the council will work with all relevant agencies to make the scheme is a success and ensure residents get all the appropriate support they require.”

Cllr Sean Prendergast, Executive Member for Housing and Environmental Health, said: "The decision of the Planning Committee means that those most vulnerable and at risk of homelessness can continue to be provided with, safe and stable accommodation with the support they need to rebuild their lives. Of course, we are sympathetic to local concerns, but considering this is a temporary use while a permanent facility is being built, and that the council has a legal duty to provide accommodation for those in need – which the newly adopted Local Plan reinforces – there were no valid planning grounds to refuse it. We will continue to work with the provider to ensure it works as closely as possible with the community to alleviate any concerns they have and so that the scheme provides the best possible outcomes for its residents."