Actions undertaken prior to the locating of 'half-way house' on Crab Lane

Dear Mrs Hammond,

Thank you for your email request for information about the use of the property at 16 Crab Lane, Harrogate as temporary accommodation for the homeless.

You asked for information on what research the Council or Housing department undertook to determine that this location was appropriate and also what, if any, community soundings or consultations were made and when.

I can confirm that this property is privately owned by a company with whom the Council has an agreement to nominate homeless or potentially homeless single people, for temporary accommodation pending either permanent rehousing or completion of our investigations into their circumstances.

As the property remains in residential use there is no requirement for planning or any other permission for this arrangement, and as such the Council did not carry out any consultation.

I am very much aware that there have been a number of isolated incidents of anti-social behaviour, involving a small minority of those living at 16 Crab Lane over a prolonged period, although we have in fact received complaints from only a very small number of residents. We are accordingly reviewing the management arrangements and allocation policy for this property, with a view to reducing the short-term risks of any further nuisance, as well as considering the longer-term use of the property.

I hope this clarifies the position, but if you need any further information please let me know.

Regards,
From;
Alan Jenks (Head of Housing)
Department of Community Services
Harrogate Borough Council
Springfield House, Kings Rd
Harrogate, HG1 5NX
Tel 01423 556849
Fax 01423 556810
email [email address]

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