ACCOMODATION for homeless families in Coventry has been approved by the council in a former sheltered accommodation building.
In Foleshill at Ribbon Court there are 50 flats which will be used for families who need a home.
The existing building has been used for sheltered accommodation for older people.
The planning application looks to change the use of the building and house families that are considered homeless by the City Council.
Councillor Naeem Akhtar, cabinet member for housing and communities, said: “We have temporary accommodation at different sites across the city to support some of our most vulnerable families.
“Currently there are 935 families who are living in temporary accommodation provided by the Council.
“In the long term we want them to live in more permanent accommodation but there is a really high demand for both social housing and private rented homes in the city.”
The change of use was approved at the Council’s planning committee.
Local people presented a petition with concerns about the impact of the building, the council have since reassured them.
A spokesperson from housing association, GreenSquareAccord, which owns the building, said: “We are pleased the change of use of Ribbon Court has been approved and that we can now move ahead with our plans to provide much-needed accommodation for families across Coventry in partnership with Coventry City Council.”
Admission to Ribbon Court will be managed through Coventry City Council’s housing service.
Families will be assessed and appropriate referrals will be made by the council.
Occupants will sign licence agreements, which include strict conditions for occupancy, parking use, and visitor policies.
Breaches of these agreements may lead to termination of the licence.
The building will have a no visitor policy, ensuring that only authorised professionals can enter the building.
