Flats for recovering drug users refused

A controversial application to turn a semi-detached house in Forest Road, Ollerton, into six flats which could be used for recovering alcohol and drug users was refused by Newark and Sherwood District Council planning committee on Tuesday.

The committee went against a recommendation from the planning officers that the application should be granted.

Mrs Abbie Truswell, a district councillor for the area, urged members to reject the application.

She said the planned development was over intensive for the area and unsuitable for the site.

She said there were also concerns about anti-social behaviour because of the suggested use of the property.

Mr Ray Shilling, speaking on behalf of Ollerton and Boughton Town Council, said they objected to the application.

The council felt it would have an intrusive effect on the character of the area and a detrimental effect on the amenities of the neighbours.

There were also highway safety concerns and fears that it could create more on-street parking because there were only two parking spaces for the six flats.

The beat manager of Ollerton, Pc Colin Oakley, said while he appreciated the need for that type of accommodation he was concerned about problems it could bring when there was no warden on site.

There were also objections from 11 neighbours who were concerned that the design was not in keeping with the area and were worried about loss of privacy and parking problems.

They were also concerned that a similar development in Boughton had caused problems in the area.

Members were told that the scheme was part of a countywide supported accommodation project for recovering alcohol and drug users.

The aim was to offer them a home for up to two years to help support them to turn their lives around.

Mr Ben Wells said he was appalled that the officers were recommending that the scheme be approved and queried whether the consequences of the plan on local people had been taken into account.

Mr Roger Blaney said he was supportive of organisations that worked with disadvantaged people whom he felt deserved a second chance but he was objecting to this application because of the effect it would have on the property next door.