A learning and training centre to help a borough’s rough sleepers has been approved at the site of a former emergency homeless shelter.

Councillors on the Maidenhead Development Management Committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission for the change of use at John West House in Maidenhead.

The plans, put forward by the council itself, will see improvement works carried out including construction of a mezzanine floor and a new glazed roof to courtyard area.

It will include training facilities to help rough sleepers opportunities to move to permanent housing and employment.

Councillor Maureen Hunt said: “Before us is the combination of a lot of hard work with our planning officers and our housing officers.

“John West House has been a crucial part of the rough sleeper pathway which was established quite a few years ago now to help those vulnerable people who are sleeping rough out of necessity in our borough.

“I’m really pleased to now see this application come before us.”

The facilities will include capacity for 22 residents, with provision for both longer and shorter term placements.

The planning officers’ report reads: “Ancillary living facilities, including communal living areas and kitchen spaces would be provided within the building to support the use, with associated facilities within the site grounds such as a laundry room, plant storage and a yard and kennels, alongside a reconfigured communal amenity space.”

The site has been vacant since June 2022 following the end of a five year permission window for use as an emergency homeless shelter.

Councillor Helen Taylor said: “The only tragedy with this is it hasn’t been brought forward sooner. It’s much needed.”

The officers’ report adds: “The site is located in a sustainable location, in close proximity to Maidenhead town centre and public transport facilities. The site benefits from excellent connectivity and has good access to a range of services and amenities.

“It is within a 10-minute walk (700m) along public footpaths from Maidenhead Train station, with local services provided along Stafferton Way within a four minute walk (300m) of the site.

“There is also cycle infrastructure in the locality with cycle paths running along Stafferton Way and The Cut.

“As such, the principle of the use is acceptable and would provide pedestrian links to facilities in the surrounding area.”

To find out more about this planning application, visit RBWM’s planning portal with the reference 23/01068/FULL.