A HOMELESS night shelter in Westcliff is facing closure after being refused planning permission.

Off The Streets took over a shop in London Road and turned it into a shelter without permission.

The charity decided so many people were in need they would start first and then apply for permission to change the use from a shop to a shelter.

Southend Council has refused permission, claiming the shelter would involve associated levels of activity which would have a detrimental impact on the character of the area.

The council also ruled the density and quality of accommodation would not provide reasonable living conditions or acceptable level of amenity for users.

The charity has already appealed the decision.

The Planning Inspectorate will now be asked to make a decision on the change of use at the controversial facility, which has seen a mixed response from residents.

Del Thomas, chairman of Off The Streets, said: “We are obviously quite upset. We feel the right decision has not been made. We have put in an appeal against the ruling. We just feel the shelter is a really valuable service

“I think to shut it down is short sighted. We had a growing issue with homelessness in this area but it is going down and we feel we are responsible for that.

“We had rehoused about 13 people in 11 weeks.

“We did have residents against us at the start but feel we have now got the support of a lot of residents in the area.”

The group said they have the backing of Sir David Amess MP who visited the shelter to find out about their work.

The group also defended the decision to open first in September and seek permission later because of the growing problem across the borough.

The group received the keys in April having decided to leave a shelter in Southchurch earlier this year following complaints from residents. The group previously said they took advice from the council, legal advice and also advice from architects.

They also said they knew we would be in breach but took the risk to help people.

Some residents have claimed there are issues with antisocial behaviour ad drug use outside and near the night shelter but the group have denied these claims.

Sir David Amess was contacted for a comment on the group by the Echo.