53 Peak Hill

[p]

Lewisham Planning Application DC/05/59380
The alteration and conversion of 53 Peak Hill SE26, to provide 9 self-contained bed sit units and change of use for hostel accomodation for homeless young people (both male and femal) between ages of 16 - 21.

The hostel will not be supervised and there will be no staff on site

Does anyone know of any hostels set up on similar lines in any other borough?

[raymondus]

For all those interested, the application for this has been revived, although, if the documents are to be believed, as Council flats only.

Anyone have any other information to corroborate? As a local resident, I have not received any documentation from the Council on this application, unless I missed something.

The number is DC/06/64244/X and was lodged (I think) on 4/1/07. You can look at the full details of the application on the planning website.

Take a look at this link too:

http://acolnet.lewisham.gov.uk/ACOLLATEDOCS/15941_1.pdf

[sparklingdiamonds]

I used to work for a housing association who housed Mental Health ex offenders in Brixton. These hostels were not supervised or staffed at anytime. However, All the residents were monitored on a regular basis and allocated one keyworker each who is usually responsible for writing reports, administering medication or escorting to appointments.

[leaf]

I can see why some neighbours might be concerned,but this type of hostel need not worry you,sparkling diamond tells of a different sort of thing entirely,ex offenders with mental health problems are a different kettle of fish to 16-21 yr olds who happen to be homeless,

a family friend lived in this sort of set up when she was around 17,it is a step towards independant living and only those sensible enough tend to get a place.

[raymondus]

From the documentation, it would seem as though the plan has moved on from the original submission (which was meant to be unsupervised hostel accommodation - Leaf is right in that it was for the homeless and not ex offenders). The plans do have the words "mainstream council property" but I am unable to confirm as the Council has not consulted me (even though I live opposite the damn property!). If anyone has any info whatsoever, I would be most appreciative!

[Pat Trembath]

Hi Raymondus

There was a big hoo-haa by residents in Sydenham Park Road and Peak Hill about the hostel for homeless, unsurpevised young people about two years ago. There was a major petition against the plans and at a public meeting local councillors Best and Wise gave an undertaking that 53 Peak Hill would be made over into flats and not the hostel.

As far as I am aware this is the case and the planning application is for mainstream council property as described.

[sparklingdiamonds]

I feel sorry for the little black bird that got trapped in the open window of the 1st floor. It got stuck between the pane and the metal grill. I did call the RSPB but they said they could do nothing. It was alive for about 3 days- I always look up and look whenever I pass. It will soon be a skeleton.