Moment of truth for Central Beds' homeless plan in Luton suburb

Central Bedfordshire Council has applied to transform the ex-Royal Naval Club opposite St Anne's Church into a 14-bedroom transitional housing scheme for "low-risk" homeless people.

The plans ignited anger when they were first reported (here) by Luton Today last September, with one neighbour accusing Central Beds of trying to "dump its homeless burden" on to Luton.

But the proposal has been recommended for approval by a Luton Borough Council planning officer.

The officer's report stated that Central Beds has since supplied Luton with a comprehensive 'Occupation, Management and Support Plan' (OMS) to address many residents' concerns, which had caused a delay in the planning process.

The report stated: "These details [were] so fundamental to the appropriateness of the scheme, that it was considered vital to secure them prior to the determination of the application."

It added: "The practice of providing accommodation outside of an authority’s administrative area is commonplace.

"Members will be aware that there are many developments provided in and around Luton town centre that house individuals originating from other councils.

"These, however, are overwhelmingly derived from the conversion of office space ... and it is rare from the council to experience a full application of this nature for which proper management can be negotiated and secured."

A total of 30 objections have been lodged against the application.

One man wrote: "This is a residential area and a development of this type would not be suitable here. It would increase risk of disturbance, noise, etc.

"I also disagree with CBC's justification for moving people outside the CBC area to Luton, putting a burden on our services, when there are similar properties they could use within their own area."

The development control committee takes place on Thursday at 5pm. You can watch the meeting live as it takes place, by clicking here and scrolling down to 'Skype Meeting Link'.