Controversial plans to transform a former care home into a flats run by a homelessness charity have been approved.
Framework, which supports people across the city, wants to take over a former vacant care home at Watcombe Circus in Carrington, transforming the building into seven one-bedroom flats.
Residents have previously voiced their concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour and whether the development would fit in the area.
People living at 14 properties in Watcombe Circus, Devonshire Road and Ravensmore Road have objected to the proposal.
A petition of 52 signatures calling for refusal was also sent to the council.
Councillor Adele Williams, who represents Sherwood for Labour, said the development will change the dynamic of the area, which is predominately family homes.
She told Nottingham City Council's planning committee: “They are concerned this type of development will not attract residents embedded in the community and they believe it is tipping from family housing to houses of multiple occupancy.”
The application has been submitted by an employee of the Framework Housing Association, and, although it has not been made in the name of that organisation, it is understood that the flats are likely to be occupied by their users, council planning officers said.
The applicant said: “Our application is for domestic flats, it is not for any kind of hostel. The people living in these flats will have their own tenancies, they will live independently but with a level of visiting support.
“The flats will house single people who have very little in the way of belongings and no likelihood of owning a car.”
The planning application was discussed by councillors on Wednesday, November 17.
Councillor Graham Chapman, who represents Aspley for Labour, said: “There is a danger for residents that if we stick with the existing use (a care home) it could be used for something more detrimental than what we are going to get now.
“The conversion to flats would be one of the better options.”
Councillor AJ Matsiko, who represents Sherwood for Labour, raised concerns about the size of the flats.
Planning officers said some of the flats were below the national space standard, but they felt they were still “appropriate” due to the constraints of converting the building.
Officers said there is a confirmed need for affordable and social one-bedroom self-contained homes in the city.
The report prepared for the meeting stated: “Supporting people into independent, settled accommodation is a key feature of the strategic approach to rough sleeping and single homelessness, providing a transition from supported accommodation to fully independent living.”
Councillors voted in favour of the application and it was granted planning permission.
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