Plan for homeless hostel on former care home site

Plans to turn a former old people's home into a homeless hostel have been recommended for approval.

On Wednesday, West Berkshire councillors will debate the plans for a maximum of 16 residents to be accommodated at the former Chestnut Walk Care Home in Hungerford.

Twenty-three people have written to the council raising concerns, and Thames Valley Police has also objected to the change of use.

The council said robust management, safeguarding and risk assessment procedures would be in place, including ongoing monitoring, welfare checks and regular reviews.

Residents objections include fears over who will be accommodated, and the police force said the single main entrance presented problems.

The development would comprise 12 self-contained bedrooms, with the ability to allow for additional family units if required.

It said it would work closely with the police and other partner agencies to ensure risks are effectively managed, with experienced on-site staff.

Any resident who failed to comply with the requirements of their placement or whose behaviour presented a risk to others may be required to leave the facility.

Hungerford Town Council has listed a string of objections to the scheme, saying a high-density hostel of predominantly younger single people conflicts with the established residential nature of Chestnut Walk.