PARENTS and the headteacher of a Bridgwater community school have expressed concerns about proposals to turn a B&B into accommodation for homeless adults.
Arc, a Taunton-based charity that supports homeless people, has applied to convert the Wembdon Road property near Westover Green Community School and Autism Centre in an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Arc lists its clients as including women escaping domestic violence, ex-offenders, people who are out of work, and people with learning difficulties and mental health issues.
At any one time, Arc houses around 180 homeless adults in its 16 properties across Taunton, West Somerset, and Sedgemoor.
The charity currently has four properties in Bridgwater supporting 32 clients.
The property’s proximity to the school has raised concerns about a potential rise in anti-social behaviour and the presence of ex-offenders near children and young people.
Arc said it decided to buy the property because of its size and location “in an area of need”.
The charity says it is “aware of concerns raised” and is “engaging with the community to reassure them that we take the safety of our clients and the local community extremely seriously”.
The application was registered on Sedgemoor District Council’s website on March 2 and has since received several objections – including from Westover Green headteacher Jason Eveleigh.
He wrote: “I am astounded that I have heard of this application via parents and have not received direct information or consultation.
“I have 402 learners and object to the application.
He added: “I believe there will be community disruption and increased safety risks for our children and families.”
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Chloe Mckay, who manages the Westover Little Stars pre-school located on the grounds of the community school, has also objected to the plans.
One parent who lives near the proposed accommodation said she has “no objection to (the site) housing ex-offenders” but says the centre “housing violent ex-offenders or sex offenders has not been ruled out in writing”.
She added: “Other properties operated by Arc have been linked to increased antisocial behaviour and crime in the immediate area.”
One of Arc’s accommodation centres is Lindley House, a 40-room hostel in Taunton.
A report published in 2019 by a council task and finish group about crime and anti-social behaviour in Taunton town centre said: “Businesses and residences along East Reach are suffering abnormally high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour due to the presence of Lindley House.”
The report also found that residents excluded from Lindley House for their behaviour – including “serious acts undertaken in public” – were often “faced with little option but to return to Lindley House” due to a lack of penal or rehabilitation services.
Another objection referenced a “fatal stabbing” that took place in Arc’s Dampiet House property in October 2018.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Arc are a charitable organisation who accommodate and support local people suffering with homelessness and in need of support.
“We work closely with Sedgemoor District Council and together we identified that there is a need for additional homelessness services in Bridgwater.
“Suitable properties are difficult to come by and the size of this property and the fact that it is located in an area of need led to our decision to purchase this property in Bridgwater.
“We are aware of concerns raised and we are engaging with the community to reassure them that we take the safety of our clients and the local community extremely seriously.
“Our aims are to provide local people within the community struggling with homelessness with a safe and supportive environment where we can assist them to recover and take positive steps forward.”
The consultation began on Tuesday, March 22, and the district council is accepting comments on the planning application until Tuesday, April 12.
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