A FORMER bed and breakfast near Wrexham city centre can continue to be used as a homeless shelter on a permanent basis.

An application by Wrexham Council to continue using the former Grove House B&B on Chester Road as a shelter was discussed at the authority’s January planning committee meeting, replacing its temporary permission with a permanent one.

The building has 16 single occupancy en-suite rooms and a communal lounge, dining room and cooking facilities.

It is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support and guidance to individuals and ultimately assist them into permanent accommodation.

The building has provided temporary accommodation for homeless people since January 2021.

It benefitted from temporary permitted development rights introduced by the Welsh Government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, however due to the time limited nature of this, planning permission has been sought to permanently change the use to a permanent homeless shelter.

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This has been sought on two previous occasions and both times members imposed a condition limiting the permission to a 12 month period. This was to allow the impact of the use on the amenities of nearby properties and in respect of crime and anti-social behaviour in the vicinity to be monitored.

Ward councillors spoke at the planning meeting to say that while anti-social behaviour can sometimes be a problem still, much work had been put in by staff to minimise disturbance to residents.

Acton and Maesydre Cllr Becca Martin (Plaid) acknowledged the work done by the shelter and the difference it had made to the lives of people who had stayed there.

Fellow Acton and Maesydre ward member, Cllr Corin Jarvis (Lab) added: “I fully support the application as well.

“Over the past year I’ve been really, really impressed with the management of Grove House.

“Any issues that have come up have been dealt with quickly and appropriately, and I really can’t fault the work they do. I think it’s an invaluable service and I think it should be replicated if possible.

“Most of us are three large bills away from being homeless, it can happen to anyone, it’s a brilliant service we can’t afford to lose.”

Councillors voted to approve the application.