Homeless people are to benefit from new purpose-built housing in Rochdale after a charity’s plans were given the green light by councillors. A pair of two storey blocks - containing eight and four homes respectively - and two bungalows are to be built on land off Whitworth Road and Grasmere Street, near the town centre.
All 14 ‘self-contained apartments’ - split across three parcels of land - will be available for affordable rent, but are specifically for the homeless and those at risk of homelessness. The scheme will be delivered by Cornerstone Place - a social enterprise with a mission to help end street homelessness in the UK by 2030.
Stepping Stone Projects will provide 24/7 housing management and support cover, including at least one staff member on site to help residents at any one time. The proposals were given a near-unanimous approval at a meeting of the council’s planning committee, despite 11 public objections and concerns being raised on the night over road safety, parking and the potential impact on the community.
