Rough sleepers hub and hostel opposite Battersea Arts Centre, Lavender Hill Post Reply

[NIMBY]

Can I ask if anyone is aware of the proposal for a new rough-sleepers hostel on Lavender Hill, opposite Battersea Arts Centre.

https://lavender-hill.uk/2023/10/04/a-n ... ts-centre/

Deadline for comment on the Wandsworth Council website is 19th October.

https://planning.wandsworth.gov.uk/Nort ... I=PLANNING

[Alexan]

Clapham Junction will likely become the congregation spot for the influx homeless people during the day.

Similar service in Cedars Road was shut down:
"St Mungo’s ran a large 120-bed hostel on Cedars Road for some years, which was one of their largest operations in the country – focussed on vulnerable residents with severe drug & alcohol abuse issues. The Cedars hostel took some innovative approaches to improve the experience and care of those who were pretty much at the end of the road as their bodies threw in the towel – but there were also reports that suggested the hostel was not having much success in moving any residents on to longer term accommodation. That hostel was a bit of a nightmare for neighbours, as the erratic and antisocial behaviour of some residents in a quiet residential area (and right next to a large primary school) proved increasingly problematic."

See article on lavender-hill. uk

Support the idea but selecting a site next door to a nursery, on a busy school route for school children and plenty of late night bars nearby is short sighted by the council.

[Krystina]

My first and most obvious concern is why this site has been chosen. To locate a facility for rough sleepers with ‘complex
physical and mental needs’ immediately next to a nursery.

The most cursory research on the impact of similar facilities indicates that they often come with a host of problems for
local residents and can negatively impact the local area and community. And yet the council has chosen to locate it in a busy residential neighbourhood.

Providing a two week consultation period with no public awareness of the impact of such centres is unfair on the Clapham commuters, families, businesses and vulnerable elders who will have to endure the consequences of the council's decision.

[Beketaten]

I note there is only 1 space for a female rough sleeper in this plan. 100% of the aggressive and intimidating behaviour I frequently see from homeless people/beggars in and around Clapham Junction and the facility on Cedars Road is by men.

If this were a facility for homeless women, who have generally far less provision, and are far more at risk sleeping rough, I would be much more likely to support it.

[Eloweez]

Wandsworth Council needs to implement a comprehensive consultation before proceeding given the impact a homeless centre will have on the community. Many homeless people unfortunately have mental and drug/alcohol issues, thus they come with an number of challenges. They spend the days outside in the streets thus their impact on a community is significant. The council needs to indicate what funding for the surrounding community has been incorporated into their plan.

Providing a limited two week consultation period is unfair on the many thousands who will be impacted.

[stevehall]

I just knew before l opened the thread that it would be a stream of NIMBYism. I was not surprised.

Respect to St Mungo's for all they do.

[Kiki86]

The site of the homeless centre has been chosen with no consideration for the school children who pass by on their way to school, the elderly from the flats up the hill who need to pass on their way to supermarkets and the toddlers at the nursery next door. These vulnerable will be the most impacted victims and suffer the consequences of the council’s actions

[mrsbfrombalham]

It is quite sad to see that the language used in this thread by most people makes it sound like Wandsworth council is about to unleash a pack of wild animals ready to attack the good citizens of the local community.
These are PEOPLE who have pretty much lost everything and finally might get the opportunity to get their life back on track . So, considering how privileged a community we are (for the most part) we should show a bit more compassion. Homelessness these days can happen quickly to more people than we think. 

[SWtastic]

Well said @mrsbfrombalaham  It sounds as if some people would rather those who're struggling should be locked away i.e. out of sight, out of mind.

[muddyboots]

It’s very easy to be all holy until it’s in front of your own doorstep.
So I think people have all right to complain if it means they will be affected by this daily.

There used to be a hostel for young men with alcohol/drug issues right on the common, near the extension.
I would walk past with the pram and there would sometimes be someone lying completely decked out on the lawn.
It’s not pleasant and these places don’t belong in residential/family areas.

So whatever to nimbyism comment, maybe you can invite them to yours? You can maybe offer your front room as a sign in centre?
Please do pass on your details to the project so they can use your “own backyard”. Oh what a Good Samaritan you are !

[Scotti]

As expected the virtue signallers have emerged to pontificate about caring and how objectors are being selfish and ignorant.

The data is clear - there WILL be an increase in a lawlessness and antisocial behaviour and there will be a negative impact on the community (even the council is planning for this)

Future casualties deserve to be represented, many have no voice (children and elderly) and their wellbeing should not be secondary to that of the homeless people. Those who seek to shame or silence those calling out the dangers and pitfalls are indeed the ones who need to take a closer look at their own moral compass.

[Kiki86]

Perhaps Mrs B from Balham could suggest an alternative location in her neighborhood, since she supports the plan to set up a homeless hostel in a residential area with a high density of families and children.

[juliantenniscoach]

I don't think there's any more risk to anyone by the simple classification of someone being "homeless".  There are plenty of reasons why that situation has occurred and mental health and dependency issues would be obvious reasons.  However, declaring that they are all then a "threat" is one big sweeping judgement and an unfair one at that.

I don't think a unit trying to help the homeless with their issues poses more risk than simply abandoning them to their fate.  I'd rather the Council spend my money helping here than some fatuous headline making scheme.

[juliantenniscoach]

As expected the virtue signallers have emerged to pontificate about caring and how objectors are being selfish and ignorant.

The data is clear - there WILL be an increase in a lawlessness and antisocial behaviour and there will be a negative impact on the community (even the council is planning for this)

Future casualties deserve to be represented, many have no voice (children and elderly) and their wellbeing should not be secondary to that of the homeless people. Those who seek to shame or silence those calling out the dangers and pitfalls are indeed the ones who need to take a closer look at their own moral compass.

Can you provide a link for the data please?
 

[chorister]

@Scotti - you wrote "The data is clear - there WILL be an increase in a lawlessness and antisocial behaviour and there will be a negative impact on the community (even the council is planning for this)"

Even if this is true, what do you think should be done?  Just leave them sleeping on the streets?  Do you really not understand that caring for other may perhaps involve taking risks.