Planning permission has been granted to create 10 new safe and secure beds for homeless people in the centre of Northampton.
Housing association Midland Heart will convert under-used space in supported living building Oasis House into eight self-contained flats and two bedsits, to be exclusively used by people who are at risk of homelessness.
David Taylor, Executive Director of Operations for Midland Heart, said: “We’re happy we can go ahead with these plans and do our part to tackle Northampton’s growing homelessness problem by getting 10 vulnerable people off the streets and into a warm and safe space of their own.
“It won’t just stop at accommodation though: Oasis House offers onsite support with job or benefit applications and other essential life skills, to give people a real chance at turning their lives around for good.
“We’re grateful to all our partners, from the Borough Council for approving the application, to the former occupants of the space we’re converting, for the roles they’ve played in making this plan a reality.”
Oasis House is a modern supported living scheme in Campbell Street, which currently has 48 places including direct access (emergency) beds and “move on” apartments for people who are getting ready for a tenancy of their own.
The Borough Council has a housing solutions team based onsite, while dedicated support workers are there to help with all aspects of getting customers tenancy-ready, with added help from local homeless charities.
Northampton Borough Council’s planning decision was positive about the conversion plans, stating: “The proposal would utilise some of the vacant and lesser used rooms within Oasis House to provide additional residential units, while still being able to provide the support and services currently offered.
“The site is in a sustainable location with good access to the town centre and public transport and provides a much-needed service to vulnerable and homeless people within the area.”
