Agenda item

42/21/0031/VSC

Variation to Section 106 agreement to vary Part 3 of Appendix 3 of the S106 relating to application 42/95/0038 which restricts occupancy to certain user groups at Canonsgrove Halls of Residence, Honiton Road, Trull

Minutes:

Variation of Section 106 agreement to vary Part 3 of Appendix 3 of the S106 relating to application 42/95/0038 which restricts occupancy to certain user groups at Canonsgrove Halls of Residence, Honiton Road, Trull

 

Comments by members of the public included:

 

·       Highway concerns;

·       Concerns that existing conditions were overlooked;

·       The minibus should be re-provided up to 31 March 2023;

·       Concerns that this Variation to the Section 106 agreement was causing a diminution of the quiet and peaceful residents enjoyment;

·       Pleased that the amendment to the S106 agreement as a temporary accommodation for the homeless people would to be temporary up to 31 March 2023;

·       Concerns with the ongoing issues of crime and anti-social behaviour affecting Staplehay, Trull and onwards into Taunton;

·       More than 140 reported Cannonsgrove- related incidents had been reported in the village since the current used commenced, including serious crimes and anti-social behaviour. Cannonsgrove was a main issue in the recent local by-elections, with problems affecting the community during the day and night;

·       A meaningful , balanced and democratic Liaison Group is run as previously required by SWT Members;

·       Concerns that the current use of the site was not safe or accessible, nor did it support communities, health, social and cultural well-being and did not comprise sustainable development that created social cohesive and inclusive communities and failed to address accessibility to necessary service or to ensure a better quality of life for everyone;

·       The Secretary of State and Minister for Housing stated that all homeless were to be taken off of the street due to Covid, Cannonsgrove provided a safe place for the homeless with complex needs;

·       Tenants at Cannonsgrove have the best opportunity to make fundamental changes to their lives;

·       Safeguarding leads were provided on site to support the residents of Trull;

·       Two persons every week were able to move on from Cannonsgrove. They were provide with help to support their new healthy lifestyle;

·       The Council was actively seeking alternative accommodation for the homeless;

·       A monthly report on any updates regarding incidents and their resolutions was given to the Parish Council;

·       SCAT regularly contravened the S106 that was put in place to protect the village and to ensure that the planning application as submitted was met;

·       Placing the homeless at Cannonsgrove was in direct contravention of policies that were in place that was not really for a community to be bringing to the authority;

·       Conditions stated that there was minibus operating on site, that was incorrect and needed amending;

·       Concerns that people from the site were not wearing masks on the 97 bus service or in the village shop. This was not acceptable for elderly vulnerable residents and had serious impact on the wellbeing of many and confidence in using these vital services;

·       Concerns with intoxicated people walking dangerously in the roads or behaving abusively as they pass through the village on route to the town;

·       Concerns with men discussing their purchase of spike in town;

·       Concerns with the impact on existing residents of the village and we needed to be considered of equal importance;

·       Bridgewater and Taunton College needed to enforce their lease arrangement;

 

At this point in the meeting a 10 minute break was proposed.

 

Comments from Members included;

 

·       A discussion with the administration needed to be had with regards to the provision of a minibus;

·       Understands the concerns of the residents due to the nature of the occupancy;

·       There was no overnight solution for these problems. Multi agencies needed to get together to see if they could improve the living area for local residents;

·       Concerns that the residents did not have a connection to the SWT locality and how this would be managed;

·       Not all homeless people were on drugs or drink, some of these residents were vulnerable;

 

Councillor Hill proposed and Councillor Coles seconded a motion for the Variation of S52/S106 Condition be APPROVED with a note that the relevant Officer have a meaningful conversation with the Trull Residents Liaison Group for provision of transport to and from the site;

 

The motion was carried.

Supporting documents: