Plans for a homeless recovery hostel in Sandown has been withdrawn — after neighbours fought against the proposals.
Plans were submitted in February, by Two Saints, a not-for-profit service, to turn the former Hendre B and B, on Leed Street, into an eight-bed house of multiple occupation (HMO) to be used as part of the Isle of Wight Council’s homeless pathway, to try and help people stay off the streets.
When applying for permission, Two Saints said individuals who used the HMO would not be placed directly from the street but would have gone through an initial process to determine they were ready to live independently, successfully and not ‘negatively impact’ the community.
They said:
“We believe the property to be a really good opportunity to change lives and enable people to take new steps on their individual journeys.”
Now, just over 2 months later, the application has been withdrawn but with no reason given as to why.
In a letter on the council’s planning register from Oliver Boulter, the council’s strategic manager for planning and infrastructure, it shows Two Saints asked for the application to be withdrawn on Friday 16th April.
Two Saints have been approached for comment.
A crime and disorder assessment completed by Hampshire Constabulary in response to the application said while they did have concerns about the possible problems caused by residents they broadly supported the application but only if the tenants were at the appropriate stage of recovery to be there.
However, residents were unhappy with the proposal and called for it to be turned down in more than 30 objections and 2 petitions, which were signed by nearly 160 people.
Many residents in their objections said the HMO would attract tenants like ex-convicts, which would go against the safe, family neighbourhood.
One mother said she was concerned having the HMO on the street would make a ‘scary and intimidating atmosphere’ for her son, as anti-social behaviour came ‘hand in hand’ with this type of accommodation.
Residents said they were already “blighted by HMOs” in the area, “sick of the trouble they cause” and “would not feel safe” having the tenants on their doorstep.
Comments were also left about the lack of dialogue between Two Saints and Leed Street residents as well as Sandown Town Council.
It is the price of property that is anti social..Violent property price rises flames violence as well, So people who have expensive property think they are innocent and not helping society go on the downside, Also a major factor is eating meat, we want to have a barbecue on our expensive property lol,
No-one gets a second chance then
they can get a second chance somewhere else, so that those residents who are still working hard and on their first chance, do not have their lives ruined by the deadbeats that will live there.
perhaps you would like to house them next door to you.
Put them next door to you and see how you like it.
How would the council and councillors like it if these hostels were on there doorstep, devaluing there properties and making peoples lives a misery.