COUNCILLORS have given the go-ahead to build a homeless hostel on a car park used by worshippers.
Despite protests from scores of residents and religious figures, planning permission was approved by six votes to four, to build a £60million Salvation Army hostel, in Hillfields.
Representatives from the Shree Krishna Temple, who spoke at the planning meeting last week, said the loss of the neighbouring car park between Howard Street and Harnall Lane West would hit hundreds of worshippers.
Nearby GNP Gurdwara Temple and St Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic Church, which serves the Polish community, also agreed it would affect visitors.
The area, which has space for 65 vehicles, has been used as a car park since being given temporary permission for such use in 2004.
The 80-bed hostel will replace the Salvation Army’s existing building in Lincoln Street, which is being demolished as part of the council’s Swanswell Area Regeneration development.
Council officers said worshippers could use the 460-space multi-storey car park at City College, 350 metres away.
But there are concerns this will cause traffic problems in the area.
Chandubhai Thaker, secretary of Shree Krishna Temple, said: “We knew what the outcome was going to be anyway, but we had to try for our members.
“The council said that we can use the City College car park, but a lot of the visitors that we get are elderly and come in the evenings, so it won’t be easy for them to walk over.
“Also, you have to pay to use it, which a lot of the students can’t afford and they’re already leaving their cars in side streets – now we’ll have to add more cars to this.”
Resident Ian Pollock, of Harnall Lane West, said: “I don’t know what to say other than what can you do?
“We don’t get a say in the matter, even though hundreds of us signed a petition against the plan.
“We’re going to have so many problems with parking on this street and ones close by.”
Richard Bradbury, the Salvation Army’s deputy director of research and development, said: “We want to ensure that our services can lift people out of homelessness. Our excellent staff are currently fighting against a building that is no longer fit for purpose.”
Are you affected by the plans? If so write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.
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