Webster Court homeless housing divides city neighbourhood

Proposals submitted by St Martins Housing Trust are for the two bedroom property in Webster Court, Lakenfields, to be turned into four ground-floor flats.

Our reporter went out into the neighbourhood to find out what locals thought of the scheme.

The proposed site in Webster Court, Lakenfields (Image: Newsquest)

'I DON'T THINK IT'S FAIR'

Larry and Jennifer Webbing have lived in the area for 44 years.

Mr Webbing said: "You don't really want it on your doorstep.

"I appreciate they have to go somewhere but I don't think it's fair they're all getting pushed over here.

"It's telling that the people who make these decisions wouldn't want it outside their home."

Steph Pardoe said people opposing the application needed to have a bit of perspective about things (Image: Newsquest)

'I'M NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY'

Jillian Milling, who's home backs on to Webster Court, said: "I'm not entirely happy about it honestly.

"We'd rather they not bring more here because it's had an impact on the area.

"We've seen people crashed out in the street or causing lots of noise.

"It's not nice because there are families here."

The neighbourhood near to the proposed flats, in Lakenfields (Image: Newsquest)

'HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS IS WONDERFUL'

Bridget Kehrwisch, who's moved into the area in 2010, said: "I've got no objections to them being here.

"Social housing and housing for the homeless is wonderful.

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"People have to be housed somewhere and this gives someone a place to live."

Bridget Kehrwisch said she has no objections if the flats are built (Image: Newsquest)

'I'M FINE WITH IT'

Steph Pardoe has lived in Lakenfields for the last decade. She said: "I'm fine with it.

"I think the biggest thing people forget is everybody has to live somewhere.

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"Yes, we get some police here but compare it to other places, like London for example, it could be a lot worse.

"People need to get real and have a bit of perspective about things."

The building is currently an unused space that's under the St Martins Housing Trust (Image: Newsquest)

WHAT ARE THE PLANS? 

St Martins wants to convert a disused two-bed property, which is still under the trust, into four ground-floor flats.

In the application, submitted to Norwich City Council last week, it states that there will be a "single storey side extension and internal alterations" done to create the four flats.

Chief executive officer for St Martins, Dr Jan Sheldon, said the flats would be a "step in the right direction" should permission go ahead.

People wishing to comment on the application have until September 10 with an internal recommendation date by the case officer of October 14.

St Martins drew the ire of homeowners living in Netherwood Green back in January after it applied to demolish two garage blocks in Netherwood Green to make way for 12 new properties.

In September last year the plans were put on hold after more than 60 public objections and highways officials raised concerns.

However a recent update from St Martins confirmed it was in discussions with "colleagues in utilities" to agree some final arrangements for the site.

CEO of St Martins, Jan Sheldon, said the flats would be step in the right direction to help the homeless (Image: Newsquest)