A prominent Isle of Wight politician has joined the objectors to a proposed homeless shelter in Sandown.
Paul Brading, cabinet member for children’s services in the outgoing Tory IW Council administration and deputy mayor of the town, said he was ‘acutely aware’ of the need to support the principle of housing provisions for homeless and vulnerable people.
However, he was concerned about the application due to the potential ‘incompatible and unacceptable’ use of the site, such as the risk of anti-social behaviour. If it were to be approved, he said, ‘very strict conditions’ would have to be added.
Applicants Two Saints, a not-for-profit homeless service, are asking to change the former Hendre B and B on Leed Street into an 8-bed house of multiple occupancy (HMO). The HMO would be used as part of the council’s homeless pathway to reduce rough sleeping.
Local residents have continued to express fears about having the HMO on their street, as it was ‘not a suitable location’ for that type of facility, especially with other HMOs already in the area.
One objector said the proposals are already having an effect on residents with another pleading with the council’s planning department to allow them to ‘feel safe in their homes’. Another said they were ‘heartbroken’ and ‘boiling with rage’ believing their children and grandchildren would no longer be safe or secure in the area.
2 petitions have been started both calling for the council to reject the proposals, signed by nearly 160 between the two and attracting signatures from across the UK as well Germany and Canada.
Many residents in their objections say the HMO would attract tenants like ex-convicts, which would go against the safe, family neighbourhood.
In planning documents, however, Two Saints say the accommodation would be used as ‘move-on’ property with tenants not placed in the HMO directly from the street but will have gone through an initial process to determine they are ready to live independently and successfully and not ‘negatively impact’ the local community.
Numerous comments were made about the lack of dialogue on the plans with residents and Sandown Town Council, who are also objecting to the proposals.
Comments on the application have now closed, with the Isle of Wight Council set to make a decision by June 21.
Well, I live in sandown, not on my door step bla bla bla, can’t they live in shanklin where the money is, instead of being dumped here, these poor poor people need a home,they are more then welcome here,why have the local parish/council neglected this town for so so long, they are the problem and not the solution, I know some of these individuals personally,and in my own personal opinion they are not fit for purpose, full of there own self importance,and self esteem , whilst letting this town down badly , why is there not some Sort of public inquiry? What are they getting out of it ?
Numerous objections or not, this council will do what it wants anyway. They don’t have to live in the community where they place these establishments and the people in it. Guaranteed, these places attract trouble and continuous anti-social behaviour. Put these people in Freshwater, Sandown has enough
houses will be much cheaper in that street now and will be bought by property investors, to rent out rooms to even more dossers.
when those HMO’s arrive – the quality drops immediately and potential house buyers drive on by.
Like I tried to say earlier, but run out of space, I’ll put my money where my mouth is,vote these croney’s out,if not for you, do it for your grand children, whoop whoop !
We are not a third world country so why should we not help our own citizens.
These people did not to choose to live this way, why are they less deserving than anybody else?
We could lose our jobs, marriage, family and at a flick of a switch we have nothing.
All we have left is the streets to live on, lonely, cold hungry and broke.
Then we need help not rejection.
If a small number of these people were more responsible & appreciate the the chance they are given maybe the locals near these ‘homes’ would be more sympathetic to their plight.
One bad apple will ruin the rest.
If they were accommodated next door to you Ron I’m sure your opinions would change when the trouble kicks off!
guess you are putting them up then ron
Why not use the old prison buildings as shelter.
Not many houses near by.
Yet again our loverly Council will do exactly what it wants without any thought for us tax payers who are paided by us.
If they are that worried the Councillors could take them into their homes.
With a bit of luck & fair wind these people in Council will be replaced in May by a group who will care & given time to reflect on their massive cockups!
I can’t see anyone else who can do more damage to our great Island!
Not a bad idea but I think they are so decrepit cost too much.
Lol, sorry laughing at my own joke,it is a great idea to put the homeless people in the disused prison,that way they can all work from home,boom boom,
I know these people need help and yes there situation can happen to any of us .
But the people who come up with these lovely ideas don’t live local , nore do any of the council who will make the decision regardless what any of the local say.
Unfortunately Sandown is getting to the point of no return and has become the dumping ground for our council.