Conversion of former Hastings care home into temporary accommodation approved

On Wednesday (November 18), Hastings Borough Council planners unanimously approved proposals to convert the former Clifton Court care home in Clifton Road, into a 17-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). 

Once converted, the property is expected to be offered up as temporary accommodation for the council’s housing team.

While recommended for approval, objections were lodged by several neighbours to the scheme, over concerns around anti-social behaviour and noise. 

One of these objectors said they feared those staying in the temporary accommodation “could threaten the safety and wellbeing” of young families living in the street.

This argument saw some criticism from Cllr Ruby Cox (Lab, Central St Leonards), however, who said: “I’m really pleased to see this application and the recommendation, considering this is the type of accommodation that Hastings is absolutely crying out for; good quality temporary accommodation, which this clearly is.

“I also would just like to mention how disappointed I am to see some of the comments [and] some of the objections raised on grounds such as ‘this type of resident is often linked to drugs and alcohol abuse often funded by stealing and robbery’.

“I think we all need to remember, especially in these straitened times, that homelessness can happen to anybody, especially at the moment. People’s circumstances change without any warning. They can lose their job, their relationship can break down, they can lose their accommodation. 

“I’m really saddened to see that people can make comments such as that, without any consideration for the needs of some of our more unfortunate residents.

Despite concerns from residents, developer Castle Accommodation say their scheme includes measures to prevent anti-social behaviour.

This would include a site manager, who would also live nearby and be able to attend within 10 – 15 minutes should an incident occur. There would also be an extensive CCTV system covering the communal areas, the developer says.

The developer also operates similar premises for Adur and Worthing District Council, with the application including a letter of endorsement from that authority. 

Residents had also raised concerns around parking, as the building would not include any on site.

The property would include 17-bedrooms, made up of 16 single rooms and one double room, suitable for a couple. 

The property would also include two communal kitchens, a laundry room as well as several shared bathrooms. 

For further details of the proposals see application reference HS/FA/20/00248 on the Hastings Borough Council website.