First of all apologies for not updating this more frequently. But rest assured we have been working on your behalf behind the scenes to raise your concerns about the DCC plans for Maes Emlyn.
Again, we would point out that we all agree that being homeless is awful and anything we can do to help reduce the number of homeless folk is welcome. But. It's not just having a plan. Having a plan doesn't mean having the answer.
Below is a copy of our newsletter 2, which we delivered to almost 900 households at the start of March.
We will post regular updates on here and if we get any answers to the many concerns and questions you have already asked DCC, we will post them here.
If you wish to contact any of us, then our details are also below.
Many thanks for showing your support to us, as we strive to do what is best for you, our residents and your area. Our area.
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Cllr Justine Evans Phone: 07795 649557 Email: justinemarie.evans@denbighshire.gov.uk
Cllr Keith Jones Phone/WhatsApp: 07901 821351 Email: keithrjones01@gmail.com
Cllr Barry Mellor Phone: 01745 350067 Email: barry.mellor@denbighshire.gov.uk
Cllr Stephen Feeney Phone: 07970 270745 Email: brynhedydd2022@aol.com
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Dear Resident,
March 2023
We are your Rhyl Town Council (RTC) and Denbighshire County Council (DCC) Councillors. You should have received through the post a newsletter from Denbighshire County Council (DCC) informing you of their plans for the Maes Emlyn site, which was closed down for the existing residents at the end of 2020.
DCC intend to use 24 of the Maes Emlyn flats plus the old community room on a "temporary basis" as accommodation for “people who are looking for homes”. Because this would be a ‘Change of Use’, they have to submit a planning application. In December we successfully forced DCC to halt their plans because they had put out a conflicting informal consultation at the same time as the planning application, which proved to be very confusing. We have also been successful in asking DCC to widen the reach of their ‘newsletter’ and although you may not have had their first newsletter in December, you should have had their second one in the last 2 weeks.
DCC previously mentioned a planning application to redevelop the site being made "next (2023) Spring". They now just say “longer term” in their newsletter! You will have noticed the apologetic tone of DCC on their newsletter for not consulting more of you and an acknowledgement of suggestions that we councillors have made.
We have also been successful in asking DCC to host a public session. This will be at the Youth Centre, on East Parade, LL18 3AF, by the bowling greens and opposite Fairfield Avenue, next Wednesday 8 March, between 2pm and 8pm. It will be a drop-in session. We will also be in attendance throughout the session to ask for your thoughts. If you cannot make this day, please give us your views by phone or email. We also asked for a formal public meeting. DCC have promised this will be arranged at a later date.
Supporting homeless people in manageable numbers is something we all support. But DCC have not yet given details of how twenty four young single (based on the demograph cited by DCC) homeless people will be supported in a coherent way and we will be robustly inspecting and challenging any data or plans that DCC do supply. Their previous planning application suggested a very low level of staffing. We know the police requested further clarification when commenting on the previous planning application.
We still believe the standard of the Maes Emlyn accommodation will not match that found elsewhere. DCC have already admitted as much (they used the phrase ‘not fit for purpose’ back in 2020).
Based on these points, we all object to the planning application.
We want to assure you that we will continue to work together in your best interests. We have set up this online blog page, which doesn't rely on you being on social media, nor us printing lots of letters each time.
and keep an eye on this blog for all updates and if you have any questions, or wish to speak to us regarding the plans, our contact details are above.
Thanks for todays update letter regarding the meeting on 3rd July, As resident of Highfield Park and would just like to reiterate my strong objection to this proposal.
ReplyDeleteYears of underfunding of Council properties has led to this eventually so DCC have themselves to blame for the homelessness situation.
I feel that large number of single residents moving into Maes Emlyn will cause disturbances and social problems. There is also little likelihood of integration with the surrounding residents and therefore is not a suitable location for such a facility.
Also, how can we be sure of backgrounds of so many single individuals? Are police checks being done to ensure offenders are not being housed.
My feeling is that DCC are paying lip service to the Town council and to residents and their decision is already made. There has been substantial work going on at the site already with services being installed/upgraded.
This will effect all property owners in the vicinity and is not wanted.
How were the units not suitable for for older people but are now?
ReplyDeleteWhy will this development be (temporarily) for 5 years: why not 4 years or 6 years?
Would the contract for the provider (Salvation Army) have the scope to be extended at the site?
Is it a good use of money to renovate units that will be demolished for housing?
Why was the building currently under renovation in Churton Road, not considered as an alternative site. the accommodation would all be on one site in one location and practically easier to manage?
If Salvation Army will be responsible for the 'project', when was this put out as an invitation to tender? How much would it be for? Price gives an indication of staff numbers, experience and quality.
What are the staff to client ratio's? daytime and particularly overnight. Who would make referrals to this project