A NEW shelter will help take 42 homeless people off the streets of Southend.

The application from Southend HARP to redevelop number 45 and 47 Southchurch Avenue into a homeless shelter capable of supporting 42 formerly homeless people has been approved by Southend Council.

The two existing three-storey properties will be redeveloped into a house with seven bedsits, a staff interview room and a laundry area.

A large block of garages to the rear will be demolished to make way for six houses, all of multiple occupancy.

Jackie Bliss, chief executive of HARP, said: “We were delighted to receive planning permission for this vital development project, which will provide an additional 42 rooms for formerly homeless people in Southend.

“Ultimately, more HARP accommodation will mean more people off the streets, as we will be able to free up space at the emergency end of our services, giving those currently resorting to sleeping rough, squatting or sofa surfing more options to take that vital first step into accommodation.

“Once in accommodation, the real work can start to help people to put in the foundations for coping with life and maintaining a tenancy of their own in the wider community.”

Planning documents show that three neighbouring properties raised concerns about the development, including the potential for it to increase anti-social behaviour in the area.

Ms Bliss gave reassurances that measures have been taken to ensure that problems do not arise.

“On site there will be a staff office which will be manned during the day, and overnight the project will be attended by roving security guards,” she said.

Council leader Ian Gilbert said: “We have vowed to do all we can to help reduce homelessness, and our housing, homelessness and rough sleeping strategy outlines our intention to increase provision of additional housing for people in all circumstances, and continue to support our partners, including HARP.

The next step for HARP is to raise funds for the project but they are unable to confirm the amount they still need to raise at this stage.