A COUNCILLOR has called on residents in Kings Furlong to ‘make their feelings known’ as part of a consultation on plans for a 23-bed homeless accommodation facility on Culver Road.

Cllr Sam Jeans, along with Cllr Arun Mummalaneni (both Conservative, Kings Furlong & Brookvale) held a residents meeting on Monday, August 9 at the Carnival Hall, Council Road to allow local residents to view and discuss the plans which have been submitted to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Planning Department for the shleter at 180 Culver Road, proposed by charity Two Saints.

Cllr Jeans told the Gazette that the meeting was “very well attended” by the local community, with a variety of concerns raised by residents.

Comments raised during the evening ranged from the fact that it is listed as a 23 bedroom facility but yet will actually house 23 residents plus 8 emergency beds, therefore having a potential occupancy of 31, to the parking allocation which they say does not seem adequate for what will be required for staff on site.

In addition, there were concerns surrounding the impact upon the neighbours and how the facility will be managed by Two Saints to afford them security and peace of mind should any unforeseen incidents arise from any unsettled residents.

The final comments came from residents who are concerned about the devaluation of their homes and inability to sell or move due to having this facility on their doorstep making it “unattractive to potential buyers”.

Cllr Jeans said: “Whilst they absolutely appreciate that there is a need to have a facility to provide the care and support needed for these vulnerable people, and the current provision at May Place in the town centre is without a doubt now unfit for purpose, they are understandably deeply concerned about the impact on their financial investments in their homes.”

She continued: “It is imperative that local residents make their feelings known to the planning department to ensure that all of these concerns are taken into consideration when assessing this proposal for planning permission.”

For anyone who wishes to view the plans, they can be found on the council’s website by searching for 21/02263/FUL

Further information about what is proposed can also be found at www.twosaints.org.uk/culver-rd

Should anyone wish to raise their comments with the planning department, these must be received by the August 19 using the case number 21/02263/FUL and emailing development.control@basingstoke.gov.uk