Temporary homes for Nottingham families could take a step forward this week when a decision to enable Nottingham City Homes to buy and convert a former care home, goes before Nottingham City Council’s Executive Board for approval.
Laura Chambers Lodge in Clifton, has been empty since 2016 and is no longer used by the Council. Nottingham City Homes wants to buy the lodge and convert the building into self-contained flats to temporarily house families who are in a crisis situation. The families will stay there until the crisis is dealt with, when they can then move to permanent settled accommodation.
As well as providing well-managed and suitable facilities for families, there will be a financial saving to the Council by reducing the need to provide expensive Bed and Breakfast or Nightly Paid temporary accommodation.
The need for temporary accommodation for families is expected to increase in the next year as a ban on evictions, in force during the pandemic, is lifted.
Cllr Linda Woodings, Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing at Nottingham City Council said, “Due to a combination of factors including the lifting of the eviction ban and impact of the pandemic lockdown on jobs and livelihoods, we have a need to increase the amount of temporary accommodation which is suitable for families.
“This proposal will allow Nottingham City Homes to provide that support by transforming an unused building into much-needed temporary accommodation. This will allow families in Clifton, who are experiencing difficulties, to be supported, retain important links to family support networks and use local facilities like schools and doctors.”
Nick Murphy from Nottingham City Homes Group spokesperson added: “The former care home has been vacant for several years and would make a safe and supportive place for struggling families to stay in Clifton. We would welcome the approval of these plans, so we can provide good quality, well-managed temporary accommodation before families move to a permanent settled home.”