Rebecca Gough Homeless young people around Thetford could be given extra help if a planning application for new accommodation is approved.

Rebecca Gough

Homeless young people around Thetford could be given extra help if a planning application for new accommodation is approved.

The proposal, submitted to Breckland Council, includes seven one-bedroom flats, each with a kitchen and bathroom and a large shared living room. On the ground floor there will be a wheelchair adapted flat, room for a warden and training would be provided to help the youngsters break the cycle of homelessness.

The project was first mooted last year after Thetford was identified as a county “hotspot” and Breckland Council noticed a number of youngsters who were in and out of homelessness.

The accommodation, due to open towards the end of the year, will cater for young adults between 16 and 24, who will be taught how to manage their finances, live independently and given help finding work or training.

The site, on Canterbury Way, next to the railway station, which is in the process of being sold to Flagship Housing group, already has planning permission for 24 units although this is due to lapse in March.

Principal housing officer, Darryl Smith, said: “The community facilities will enable on site training and development to be provided on site.

“The length of stay within the facility will be of a short term nature of six to nine months.

“The scheme will provide employment opportunities for the agency that will manage the scheme as well develop young people into trained workforce.”

Within the planning application, applicants Lovell, said: “With the above combined package, the proposals make for a cost effective, practical and well balanced solution whilst making the best use of the current technologies in this type of application.”