New accommodation for homeless women to be built in part of Nottingham

A rough sleeper in Long Row, Nottingham city centre. Generic and anonymous photograph of rough sleeper / homeless in Nottingham city centre.

Flats for homeless women will be built in Bestwood to help ease soaring demand for more accommodation. Homelessness support charity Framework will be building 15 supported accommodation units and communal facilities on the site of the former St Matthews Church in Padstow Road, Bestwood.

The church was demolished in 2019 following damage from an arson attack in 2009. The site sits near the Henry Whipple Primary School, with a pedestrian entrance to the school five metres from the access track.

A total of 14 objections were received, with some raising issue with its close proximity to the school. Some objections argued “children would be exposed to those with complex mental health and addiction”, while others were concerned over parking issues.

Framework says residents would have 24-hour double staff cover to ensure it is properly managed. During a Nottingham City Council planning committee meeting on December 20, councillors unanimously approved the plans.

Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab) said: “I think it is an appropriate site in isolation. You have got to think about the school and if the school is satisfied at the moment then that is very helpful.

“The neighbouring residents again will no doubt have concerns but I hope those concerns are attenuated by the fact that it will be all-female. On that basis, given the needs in the city, I would be very supportive.”

The authority is facing rising demand for support for those who have just become homeless and at the moment all 441 units of temporary housing are full. This means it is spending around £22,000 every day sheltering those in need in bed and breakfasts and hotels.

Cllr Kirsty Jones (Lab) said: “It is much-needed in the city with the amount of homelessness we are facing, and I think, even though it is smaller than the amount you would expect, I think it is good quality. I think it is a well-sheltered plan looking at the pictures from the schools and residential areas. It is good Framework has supported the headteachers of the schools and given those assurances.”