Approval Granted for 60-Bed Homeless Accommodation in Shrewsbury Town Centre

A former student housing complex is set to be repurposed to provide accommodation for homeless individuals. The project, situated at The Tannery on Barker Street in Shrewsbury, will feature 60 en-suite rooms along with shared cooking and living areas. Shropshire Council stated that these facilities will serve as temporary housing for people who have lost their permanent residences. A planning officer confirmed that an on-site office with appropriate security provisions would be included. The student rooms became vacant following the closure of University Centre Shrewsbury. The council’s housing company, Cornovii, submitted the plans, which were subsequently approved by planning officers under delegated powers, rather than requiring a decision from a planning committee. During a public consultation on the proposals, one objection was received, citing grounds of “increased noise and disturbance” and expressing concern for individuals using the neighbouring pharmacy. Shrewsbury Town Council welcomed the plans, though it questioned whether arrangements could be made to accommodate homeless families alongside single people. The application indicated that the council currently lacks sufficient supported accommodation and incurs “significant costs” when providing homeless residents with bed and breakfast, private rented, or social properties. Plans specify that the scheme will be staffed around-the-clock by at least two members of staff, and antisocial behaviour will result in eviction. The management plan also stated that residents deemed “high-risk” or those with a history of arson would not be accommodated.