Homelessness Charity Defends Controversial HMO Plans For Former Scarborough Guest House

YMCA North Tyneside has defended its plans to convert a former Scarborough guest house into a 10-bed supported accommodation facility, assuring locals it will act as a well-managed stepping stone to independent living rather than a permanent destination.

A homelessness charity has defended controversial plans to convert a former Scarborough guest house into supported accommodation, saying the scheme would provide a stepping stone to independent living rather than long-term housing.

The proposals for The Thoresby on North Marine Road have attracted objections from local residents and councillors, who have raised concerns about the concentration of HMOs and supported accommodation in parts of Scarborough.

YMCA North Tyneside has applied to convert the property into an HMO for up to 10 residents with round-the-clock staffing.

Steve Pugh, Director of Homes and Places at YMCA North Tyneside, said the organisation had considered both the building and the surrounding area before bringing forward the plans.

He said:

“The Thoresby’s existing layout lends itself well to supported accommodation.

“It is also part of an established community, with good access to local amenities, transport links and services.

“Choosing a property isn’t only about the building. We have also thought carefully about the neighbourhood and the impact on people already living there.

“We want The Thoresby to be a positive addition to the community, not a source of concern.”

The accommodation would be aimed at adults experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, as well as people requiring support before moving into independent housing.

Karen Bailey, Head of Supported Accommodation at YMCA North Tyneside, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that homelessness could affect people from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances.

She said when asked who the accommodation would be intended for:

“Adults who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, or who need some extra support to live independently.

“People can need supported accommodation for many reasons, including relationship breakdown, family difficulties, financial hardship or losing a tenancy. Homelessness can affect anyone.”

She added that all referrals would come through Scarborough’s Housing Options team and would be subject to assessment before accommodation was offered.

“Every referral goes through an assessment of the person’s support needs and any risks, so we can make responsible decisions about who the accommodation is right for.”

Under the proposed model, residents would receive individual support plans and regular contact with staff.

The charity said support would cover budgeting, healthcare access, everyday living skills, training and employment opportunities, tenancy responsibilities and preparation for independent living.

Ms Bailey said the service would be staffed around the clock and operate with clear procedures for dealing with antisocial behaviour and other concerns.

She said:

“Our approach combines support with clear boundaries and personal responsibility.”

The Thoresby would not be intended as permanent accommodation, according to the charity.

Ms Bailey said:

“The Thoresby would be a stepping stone to permanent, independent housing, not a long-term destination.

“Length of stay would depend on each person’s progress and the availability of suitable move-on housing.”

One of the main objections raised to the scheme has been the concentration of HMOs and supported accommodation in parts of Scarborough.

Responding to those concerns, Mr Pugh said residents were right to ask questions about the impact another scheme could have on the area.

He said:

“We understand those concerns and take them seriously.

“Some communities in Scarborough feel they already host a disproportionate number of HMOs and supported housing schemes, and it’s reasonable for residents to ask what another scheme would mean for their area.”

However, he argued there was a clear distinction between supported accommodation and unmanaged housing.

“There is a real difference between simply providing someone with a room and running a properly managed service, with structured support, clear expectations and staff who take responsibility for resolving issues.

“That is what YMCA North Tyneside delivers.”

Mr Pugh said the organisation was realistic about the challenges involved but committed to responding to concerns if they arose.

“We can’t promise that no issue will ever arise, and no housing provider can.

“What we can commit to is listening, responding quickly and working with others to put things right.

“Everyone deserves a safe place to live, and the chance to rebuild their life, and existing residents deserve to feel safe and proud of where they live. We don’t believe those two things are in conflict.”

The charity said it would be willing to meet residents, businesses and community groups to explain how the scheme would operate if planning permission is granted.

Mr Pugh said:

“We know trust is earned through actions, not words.

“We would welcome conversations with local residents, businesses and community representatives and we’d be very happy to meet people in person at The Thoresby to explain how the service would be run, how concerns can be raised and our commitment to being a good neighbour.”

North Yorkshire Council has not set a date for deciding on the application, which is open to representations from members of the public.