Answer (given by Councillor Whitehead, Deputy Leader)
The Council completed the purchase of Paddock House in February 2017.
Following work with the Town Council, and engagement with residents and other interested groups of people on the proposals for the site, we anticipate submitting a planning application in the spring next year and beginning development of the site once planning permission is achieved.
The Investment and Development team consulted with colleagues in Housing prior to purchase of the site. The building wasn’t considered suitable for emergency homeless accommodation because of its location and configuration (bedsits); making access to support services and organisations difficult for people without transport.
Supplementary Question
What about a temporary use as a convalescent home, which is not covered in the above response?
Answer
This use was not considered at the time. Proposals with the aim of providing affordable social housing are now moving forward.
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