Shops set to be converted into homes for youngsters

400 people aged 18 to 25 are listed as homeless in Plymouth

A charity wants to convert former shops in the Sutton and Mount Gould area of Plymouth into flats for young people who are homeless or have complex needs. An end terrace property workshop and former coach house in Elliot Road, have been empty for more than five years.

LHC Design, the agent for applicant Young Devon, said 400 people aged 18 to 25 are listed as homeless with the city council, and increasing numbers have complex needs requiring accommodation where they can receive therapy.

Young Devon has 14 properties across the county catering for 24 young people in shared, staffed houses or apartments where they can be supported to be independent to some degree. Now it wants to add four more flats in Plymouth.

Under a supported housing scheme, each resident is allocated a key worker to support them and equip them with skills so they can live independently in future.

Young Devon also partners with hosts to provide safe homes and support. Last year such hosts provided more than 31,000 bed-nights.

LHC says shops at 10 Elliott Road are in an almost entirely residential area and the plan would make the property a better fit.

The application says: “The old shops are not in a viable commercial position, lacking any natural footfall,” it said. “Commercial properties are available on Embankment Road nearby which enjoy better footfall, some of these are also empty.”

During pre-planning discussions, council officers raised concerns that rear windows would impact neighbouring properties, but this has been addressed in the proposals.

Whilst a building inspection concluded the front-terrace building needs “minimal intervention”, said the agents, the rear coach house had structural concerns and so the best course of action is to demolish it and rebuild.

The proposal includes a central courtyard, and an area off-site for bins and bikes.

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