A cluster of student flats could be converted into supported accommodation in an area of Liverpool city centre described as “struggling to cope with drug crime and violence."
A proposal has been made to Liverpool Council 's planning committee for a 57-bed accommodation block at the junction of Shaw Street and William Henry Street to be repurposed into living spaces for individuals who have a support need such as a learning disability, a physical or sensory impairment, or mental ill health. The existing site retains the front façade of a Grade II listed, Georgian, end-terraced house and was refurbished for use as a student accommodation block following the grant of planning permission in 2013.
It is currently arranged in nine cluster flats, all rooms have en-suites and communal kitchen and living facilities. The amended properties would provide 52 beds across five floors in cluster flats for up to eight residents.
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Alterations would be made at ground level to provide access from one controlled reception point on William Henry Street. The application is accompanied by a management plan and eligible residents will have completed a comprehensive support programme before moving into the independent accommodation.
The facility would be managed by the Whitechapel Centre, a leading charity in the Liverpool region serving those in housing need. Concerns have been raised by West Everton Community Council, via Deputy Mayor Cllr Jane Corbett, about the impact on the community due to the location and community safety. A report submitted alongside the planning application documented the community “is struggling to cope with the impact of the high level of drug dealing, drug use, and the associated crime and violence.”
It added: “There is usually regular drug dealing in Whitley Gardens (opposite 71 Shaw St), on William Henry St, on Soho St and on St Anne St. The police, the Whitechapel Centre and the community are very aware of this.”
The report also cited a shooting incident on William Henry Street and how if any potential residents “have a history of drug addiction they would be at risk of targeting by the drug dealers/users and would find their progress in overcoming/controlling their addiction seriously undermined.”
It added the “acute shortage” of accommodation in the sector and is something Liverpool Council should “actively seek to address”. Given the level and urgency of need, the development is considered to be necessary.
With this in mind, the report said, it is recommended that the principle of development, in the form proposed, should be approved on a temporary basis for three years. Despite concerns about the layout of the buildings in the proposal, “the pressing need for short term supported housing is considered to be sufficient grounds for allowing the development on a short-term basis.
“The fact that the accommodation is intended for short term use (up to six months per occupier) is also considered to be grounds to look favourably upon the proposal.” The plans will be considered at Liverpool Town Hall when the committee meets next Tuesday.
