Developer seeks to reassure residents over plans to turn Sheffield hotel into homeless housing

A developer that plans to turn a former hotel into housing for the homeless has tried to reassure neighbouring residents following more than 250 objections.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Fairhome Group submitted plans to Sheffield Council to turn Staindrop Lodge on Lane End, Chapeltown, into 44 affordable studio units.

The council used the site to accommodate homeless people during the Covid-19 pandemic and neighbouring residents are concerned anti-social behaviour, begging and noise they experienced during this time will worsen.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There are now more than 250 objections to the plans and one comment in support.

The hotel.The hotel.
The hotel.

Responding to the objections, a Fairhome Group spokesperson said: “Our scheme will involve refurbishing the existing building, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of people being housed compared to those housed at present under its existing use. The scheme will also only be for people wanting to make the transition back to independent living.

“We are in the midst of a homelessness crisis in the UK and this has been worsened by the pandemic with a record number of households approaching their local council for help to find a home. The scheme is a small but significant contribution to giving people an opportunity to take a step nearer independent living. Every new scheme like this across the country helps more people whose only alternative may be living without somewhere they can call home.

“We would like to reassure local people that, should the scheme get the go-ahead, we believe it will make a positive contribution to the local community, will be well-managed and help to tackle a crisis that is causing misery for many thousands of people.”