Homeless shelter plan for former Nottingham friary passed - despite claims it's 'inappropriate'

Despite some opposition, plans to transform a former friary in Nottingham into accommodation for homeless people have been approved. Emmanuel House, a charity that supports the homeless, wants to turn the Franciscan Friary in Gordon Road, Thorneywood, into a home for seven adults.

The friary, which was built in the 1960s and is attached to Our Lady and St Edward’s Catholic Church, will still be available for parish use. However, not everyone agreed with the plans, and a petition against them was signed by 215 people.

Another petition supporting the scheme was signed by 294 people. The headteacher of the nearby Our Lady and St Edward Catholic School also voiced support, stating that “concerns have been taken into account and the work of the applicant Emmanuel House is in line with the school’s values”.

But during a Nottingham City Council planning committee meeting, Councillor Corall Jenkins spoke on behalf of residents who opposed the plans. She saidthat parents were confused about the school’s support for the scheme, as concerns had been raised at a governors’ meeting.

“[Residents] want me to make it clear they are not against helping the homeless,” she said. “I have been asked by constituent residents who live in the area to make representations on their behalf.

“Those that live in the area, who have worked hard to rebuild the historic reputation, see this move as inappropriate for their community, not appropriate for their young children to witness people who have multiple complex needs and that can adversely effect the character of the character of the area.

“We are talking about young impressionable children, what will they witness here?”

Emmanuel House said there would be case workers attending from Monday to Friday, helping residents access housing, benefits, work and other services. The service will act as a platform so low-needs users can access longer-term accommodation and would provide residents with round-the-clock support.

Cllr Kirsty Jones (Lab), who said she lives 10 minutes away from the site, argued the plans align with council policies and such early intervention could prevent more people presenting with complex needs in future.

“A lot of the objections mention concerns about close proximity to other residential properties, I don’t see this as an issue itself,” she said. “It may be for different people but it still is residential. The fact the school headteacher and the priest are in favour of it as well reassures me.”

Officers told councillors that trust must be placed in Emmanuel House to manage the accommodation properly. Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab) asked for reassurance from Emmanuel House that a support worker would always be on site. This was an extra condition for approving the plans. Nine committee members voted in favour of the plans, while one chose not to vote.