Residents oppose sheltered housing plan
LDRSConcerns have been raised over plans to turn a former care home into sheltered accommodation.
New Walk CIC is turning the site on Burlam Road in Middlesbrough into supported housing for vulnerable individuals in the town.
Some residents said there had been a lack of consultation, while others have raised fears about possible crime or anti-social behaviour.
New Walk CIC said the site would have 24-hour staffing and it welcomed any constructive objections from residents, businesses and elected members.
Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke said that as the care home already had a level of planning permission, a new planning application was not required for the sheltered accommodation.
He said he found this "difficult", adding: "Regardless of the legalities around the planning requirements, it's up to the companies to make sure that they engage with the residents nearby and make sure that they do consultation openly."
LDRSLocal resident, Thelma Clark, 57, said the lack of consultation was "outrageous" and that she worried site would impact local house prices.
Another, Eric Holland, 58, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was worried about an increase in burglaries in the area if the project went ahead.
Jane Jorgensen, 62, said: "We should know what's on our doorstep."
New Walk CIC said it had been working on the project since April 2023 and had been in extensive consultation with Middlesbrough Council over the plans.
The location of the project was changed in June 2024 after a previous site fell through.
"Support for the new location was secured from the local authority before proceeding," a spokesperson said.
They said each resident would have a support worker and that the site would help vulnerable individuals.
Middlesbrough Council said it was committed to helping homeless and vulnerable people and that there were was a need for more supported accommodation.
"We are working closely with the provider at the new facility, who are committed to ensuring its residents engage with the wider community in a positive way," they said.