Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has welcomed efforts by Denbighshire County Council to provide emergency accommodation for local homeless people, including rough sleepers, but has questioned the location of a new 8-unit homeless facility in Rhyl.
Denbighshire County Council revealed to James this week that they are now in a position to grant planning permission, under delegated powers, for Epworth Lodge on Brighton Road in Rhyl, to be turned into a homeless hostel.
Whilst James welcomes the council's efforts to mirror national policy for the pandemic and beyond, and provide plentiful emergency accommodation for the homeless, he recently wrote to the Chief Executive to express his concern regarding this particular development.
He said:
“As I stated in my letter, I believe it is important that the council invests in emergency accommodation for the homeless. At present, I understand there is often mixing of young families with others in B&B settings. This can pose risks which need to be avoided. Emergency accommodation can provide a lifeline for vulnerable people, and allow valuable triage and multidisciplinary assessment.
“However, I urged the Council to reconsider the suitability of Epworth Lodge for this purpose. I feel that in seeking to turn around the fortunes of Rhyl town centre, a careful balance must be struck between providing facilities for those in need and creating an environment in which a plethora of such facilities exacerbates and perpetuates deprivation in the immediate area.
“I believe that spacious new build units with plentiful outdoor open space, outside of the town centre, would be much more appropriate to allow the delivery of this much-needed agenda and to best help the families involved.”
He added: “Epworth Lodge was constructed in 1877 and is a Grade II Listed building of character and charm. The council’s own Design & Access Statement refers to it as “one of the first examples of Gothic style of terrace in Rhyl with considerable significance for the character of Rhyl in the later part of the 19th century”.
“If the council is serious about the regeneration of Rhyl town centre, it needs to ensure that buildings such as Epworth Lodge positively contribute to the economic success of the locality.”
James was also concerned that while the planning application states that that property will be used “for families”, the detailed information was less reassuring, simply stating that it will “not at this time be made available to single individuals”.
Since submitting his concerns to the Council, James has received a response and has further discussed the issues he raised with officers.
He added:
“Following much dialogue with the council's planning department over this proposal, I am pleased that the permission they are to approve will be for a temporary length of up to five years.
“In their response to my letter, I was assured by the Council that the purpose of the facility at Epworth Lodge will be to accommodate only families, and that separate, but similar facilities to support single people or couples with no children across the County are being sought.
“I now plan to meet council officers over their future strategy with regards provision for the homeless and rough sleepers. Importantly, there is a need to provide sufficient longer term accommodation."
