More modular units for homeless proposed for Bideford location

Emergency housing is being increased in Torridge to accommodate the growing number of people who are finding themselves homeless.

Torridge District Council’s planning committee has agreed to provide another four single person modular units to add to the six it has within the grounds of its Sully House property on the Clovelly Road Industrial Estate, Bideford.

The authority’s corporate office building at Sully House was previously converted into temporary housing where it caters for eight households. 

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Torridge manages or owns 24 units in total but demand is high. There are currently 66 households in temporary accommodation in the district at the present time and the council’s units are always occupied.

The committee heard from a report that said more people are facing homelessness from a range of factors, including higher numbers relocating to the South West, government measures that discourage private landlords and rising property prices encouraging landlords to sell.

This is in addition to a booming holiday market, which has encouraged landlords who had been offering long term letting to move into the holiday market.

Reliance on costly bed and breakfast accommodation due to a shortage of temporary homes has put the council under ‘significant financial pressure’, the report said. Providing more temporary accommodation would bring the costs down.

The council plans to provide a grassed area, outside seating and a smoking shelter next to the new units.

READ MORE: Bideford office block to be converted into homeless accommodation

Councillor Doug Bushby said he was a big supporter of emergency accommodation on this site as it was “in the right location on the outskirts of town” with other similar accommodation and not in the town centre.

Cllr Peter Hames (said it was a great idea the council was developing these facilities, but it would be good to provide some play equipment for children.

He added: “It’s nice accommodation but it’s a bit bleak in what the children can do there.”