A CONSERVATIVE councillor in Basingstoke has called on his colleagues in cabinet to ‘find a different location’ for proposed homeless accommodation, after residents in Kings Furlong approached him, ‘petrified’ about the plans.

Charity Two Saint is preparing to submit an application for planning permission to turn 180 Culver Road into a 23-bed temporary accommodation facility for people experiencing homelessness.

The plans are being developed in collaboration with both Hampshire County Council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, with members of Basingstoke’s cabinet set to consider their endorsement this evening, including overturning a covenant which declares the land be used for specific purposes.

Residents of Culver Road have previously raised their concerns about the proposal, citing anti-social behaviour and litter which they say has occurred at other Two Saints venues.

They have also expressed their ‘disappointment’ at their ward councillors in Kings Furlong, who they say are not representing their views.

However, now one councillor has told the Gazette that he supports the community's opposition.

Cllr Dan Putty (Conservative, Hatch Warren & Beggarwood) said: “I am worried about the people who live there. It is not my ward but whenever people ask me for help I always try and help.”

Cllr Putty said he worked as a volunteer for many years at 180 Culver Road, when it was a “juvenile justice” centre for young people who had been involved with “petty crimes”.

He continued: “I have got knowledge of that building. We, the staff, managed the young people very well and there wasn’t much trouble, but now the residents there are petrified of what they have seen in May Place and elsewhere. They have seen the community damage that can be done and they are very frightened of what is being proposed there.

“The value of their properties are going to go down, and also there are four schools in the area and they are concerned about the children. Some of the people who were housed at May Place, they have heard, are taking drugs etcetera.

“I am supporting the community. That building could be used for another purpose. I know the homeless need to be prepared a place, but at the right location. And I am questioning whether this is the right location.

“The company should be looking at the proper site. I am not against the homeless people being housed, but not at the detriment of the community who have settled and live peacefully and are happy where they are.”

When asked what he would like to say to members of the council cabinet, who are discussing the plans at a meeting this evening (March 9), Cllr Putty added: “I would like them to find another site. The community is settled and we have to keep them that way. Once we disrupt them it’s not a community any more. And I am always one for building community spirit.

“I know the place, I have worked there for a long long time. All I can do now, within my remit, is pass their petition on to the council.”

Fellow Conservative 'dismayed' over comments to move homeless shelter elsewhere 

Cllr Dan Putty's Conservative colleague, Cllr Tristian Robinson, said he was 'dismayed'. 

He told The Gazette: "I was dismayed to read Cllr Putty's comments. As a former Mayor, Cllr Putty should know first-hand the incredible, nationally recognised work being undertaken by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, led by the Borough Council and supported by charities and the voluntary sector to reduce homelessness and end rough sleeping in our Borough.

"I fundamentally disagree with the assertion that May Place has caused "community damage".

!The proposal for 180 Culver Road seeks to provide new purpose-built supported living scheme for vulnerable residents of Basingstoke and Deane.

"For them, this will be a safe place, a roof over their head, and access to specialist support which represents a chance for a secure and brighter future.

"The fact that the average age of a rough sleeper is more than 30 years younger than the normal life expectancy is unacceptable. This new facility will help saves lives and support vulnerable residents away from sleeping rough on the streets, and towards independent living with 24-hour support. 

"I further challenge the belief that former homeless people will not integrate with the community by saying "once we disrupt them [existing community] it's not a community anymore".

"Many historical societal issues have been created by segregating a minority of people away from the wider community, and it's vitally important we do everything we can to integrate our whole community together, as one, for the benefit of all. These are our most vulnerable people in our Borough, and they deserve our continued support, time and efforts.

"As Portfolio Holder, I am committed to not sweeping these challenging issues under the carpet, and working to find solutions, rather than finding reasons to delay that which we are morally obliged to deliver.

"I do appreciate that a number of residents have concerns about the proposal, and have been engaging directly with Two Saints and other partner organisations to respond fully to the concerns of the local community.

"I am confident that through collaborative working, many of the issues raised by local residents will be addressed when a Planning Application is submitted in the coming months.

"It is disappointing that Cllr Putty has not chosen to attend any of the recent Councillor Workshops on homelessness and rough sleeping, or engage with me directly as Portfolio Holder to alleviate any concerns he might have on behalf of local residents, albeit I note his ward is in fact the other side of town. 

"It is regrettable that Cllr Putty has chosen to disregard the Council's commitment to assisting the most vulnerable residents when he previously voted for the revised Housing and Homelessness Strategy, of which 180 Culver Road was a key part.

!The Council Administration will continue doing all we can by working in collaboration with the SIP and others, to support our most vulnerable residents by reducing the number of people on the Housing Register, ending rough sleeping, and delivering a better community for all in Basingstoke and Deane."