April 18, 2013 4.02 pm This story is over 131 months old

Temporary flats for Lincoln’s homeless approved

Extra funding: A £2 million plan to develop temporary housing for the homeless with addictions received extra funding from the City Council.
Framework received planning application in 2013

Funding for some new £2 million temporary accommodation for rough sleepers in Lincoln was approved by the City of Lincoln Council.

The Executive Meeting approved a contribution of £125,000 to help develop flats on the corner of Friar’s Lane and St Rumbold’s Street.

As previously reported, the plans were put in place by Framework Housing Association, who also run the Pathways Centre on Beaumont Fee.

They plan to build 15 flats for the homeless with alcohol problems on the former Autoglass site, near the Broadgate car park.

The flats will be one-bedroom, and come with support, full time supervision, and detox treatment facilities.

While staying in the flats, residents will have to do a minimum of 16 hours of structured activity, which aims to divert them away from alcohol.

Framework believes this type of flats, which already exists in Nottingham, will reduce the burden on hospitals and the criminal justice system.

The actual planning proposals for the flats were granted back in February.

Framework will also receive a grant of £562,500 from the Homes and Communities Agency and £200,000 from Lincolnshire PCT.

City Council Housing Portfolio Holder Councillor Peter West said: “”This is a facility that is definitely needed in the city and we are delighted to be able to support this vital project.”

Framework Chief Executive Andrew Redfern said: “”Substantial efforts are being made by a number of agencies to address the problem of street drinking in Lincoln.

““This development is part of a long term solution that we believe will save a considerable amount of public money in years to come.””

Work is expected to start in early August, taking around 10 months to complete.