New interim housing for formerly homeless providing step to permanent accommodation

Published10th March 2021

Today the Planning and Development Committee of Ipswich Borough Council gave planning permission for eight micro homes to be constructed at Whitton Church Lane for the accommodation of formerly homeless residents.

These units will be for the sole use of local single people, who have been living in emergency and similar accommodation in Ipswich. The new housing has been designed in close collaboration with homeless charities and specialist advisors. Each unit is specifically designed for single occupation and comprises a sleeping area, kitchen and living room, together with a shower and WC. The homes are fitted with white goods and other essential items such as cutlery, plates, and bed linen.

There will be a multi-agency approach, including the police, to decide the suitability of tenants who are being considered for accommodation here. Live CCTV will be monitored at the Council’s control room and SIA accredited on-call security will be able to attend 24/7 when requested. There will be unannounced visits by security patrols. There will also be regular multi-agency reviews with partners, again including the police, with a view to addressing and dealing with any issues.

Cllr Neil MacDonald, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Health at Ipswich Borough Council says:

“These homes meet a clear need and are ‘step-up’ accommodation for formerly homeless people. In this carefully designed housing and with a dedicated support worker’s help, residents will be able to live more safely and then also move on, after their limited time here, to a permanent home.“

View the report (item 5c) from the Planning and Development Committee.