Ten new ‘safe and secure’ flats for homeless people approved for Northampton supported living building

A supported living facility in Northampton has been granted planning permission for ten new flats.

Midland Heart, the housing association that owns Oasis House in Campbell Street, has been given the go-ahead to turn under-used space in the building into new living facilities.

The space will be converted into eight self-contained flats and two bedsits, to be exclusively used by people who are at risk of homelessness.

David Taylor, executive director of operations for Midland Heart, said: “We’re happy we can go ahead with these plans and do our part to tackle Northampton’s growing homelessness problem by getting ten vulnerable people off the streets and into a warm and safe space of their own.

“It won’t just stop at accommodation though: Oasis House offers onsite support with job or benefit applications and other essential life skills, to give people a real chance at turning their lives around for good.

“We’re grateful to all our partners, from the Borough Council for approving the application, to the former occupants of the space we’re converting, for the roles they’ve played in making this plan a reality.”

Oasis House currently has 48 places to sleep, including emergency beds and ‘move on’ apartments for people who are getting ready for a tenancy of their own.

The building is also home to the Hope Centre, a charity that works closely with homeless people in the town and a Northampton Borough Council housing solution team who help to get customers tenancy-ready.

Borough council planning officers granted permission for the new living spaces last month and were positive about the plans.

In the planning notice letter, one of the planning officers said: “The proposal would utilise some of the vacant and lesser used rooms within Oasis House to provide additional residential units, while still being able to provide the support and services currently offered.

“The site is in a sustainable location with good access to the town centre and public transport and provides a much-needed service to vulnerable and homeless people within the area.”

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