Night shelter plan is back

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to open a night shelter for homeless people near Warrington town centre comes before borough planners for a second time tonight (Wednesday).
An application to convert Patten Hall, in Winmarleigh Street, Warrington was deferred by the borough council’s development control committee three weeks ago at the request of officers.
They wanted to widen the scope of consultation with local residents.
There have already been strong objections received from Warrington Town Centre Residents’ Association and Warrington Masonic Hall – and from borough councillor Pat Wright.
But the scheme is supported by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Golden Gates Housing and Holy Trinity Church – which owns the property.
The proposals would see the building – originally built as a church and later used as an overflow magistrates court – taken over by local charity Opening Doors (North West) as a night shelter for the homeless, including drug and alcohol abusers.
It would provide 10-beds and there would be a “smoking shelter” outside.
The residents’ association says the change of use will result in increased “coming and going” affecting the feeling of safety for nearby residents. They fear issues with drugs, alcohol and criminal activity, late night noise and parking problems which they claim are already a “nightmare.”
The Masonic Hall complains that the development is inappropriate in the town’s Cultural Quarter. They fear on-street incidents of “violent assault.”
Coun Wright said the proposal will have a detrimental effect on residential amenities and claims the applicant has refused to meet residents to discuss the application.
Planners say the development is acceptable, subjection to conditions to exclude a proposed “soup hatch” and to install CCTV.