Bid to keep city homeless shelter

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Friday, 15 March 2024 16:40

By Gavin McEwan - Local Democracy Reporter

A “temporary” homeless night shelter in Hereford could now remain in use for a further five years.

Herefordshire Council has applied to itself (application 240480) for permission to keep the single-storey building in Symonds Street / Venns Close car park in use until 2029.

Known as St David’s Hall or as the Acorn Building, the 100-square-metre mobile building was previously used as a classroom for pupils with special needs.

In order to provide “emergency” winter accommodation, it has since December been fitted out with 11 put-up beds, a kitchenette and toilet.

Run by charity Caring for Communities and People (CCP) on the council’s behalf, it currently opens between 8pm and 8am for those who need it.

A number of individual homeless “pods” have also been stationed to the north of the building, including two which were previously in the nearby county bus station car park.

The council’s application can be commented on via its planning web page until April 13.

It also has a live planning application to convert a former public toilet beside the city’s St Peter’s Church into single homeless shelter.