A PUBLIC meeting over plans to create temporary accommodation for homeless people in Rhyl is to be held. 

An application - which was withdrawn in December last year and is expected to be resubmitted - initially outlined plans for temporary emergency accommodation, at 35-59 Maes Emlyn, for individuals who have previously presented themselves to Denbighshire County Council as homeless.

The application stated last year that people would be able to stay for a minimum of six months and would be given support to find permanent homes.

Denbighshire County Council is behind the plans, described as a 'short-term plan' to repurpose part of the Maes Emlyn site.

The long-term plan for the whole site is to "consult on and submit planning applications to redevelop the site into new social housing".

Rhys Thomas, Lead Member for Housing and Communities, said: “We look forward to holding this second meeting about the proposals for the Maes Emlyn site in Rhyl, and to answer any questions that residents in the local area may have.

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“We have taken account of the feedback we received from the drop-in held on March 8 and have made some changes to our original proposals that we want to share with the community and would encourage anyone living in the area to attend to find out more.”

The site previously housed elderly people.

In the application, that was withdrawn, plans involved the change of use of an existing block on the site [which contains 24 older persons’ apartments, the former warden’s accommodation and community rooms], to provide 24 settled homes for the homeless. 

Proposals were termed "not fit for purpose" by Rhyl East town and county councillor Justine Evans last year. 

"I fully support the need for the homeless to be provided with better accommodation, however given that Maes Emlyn was deemed not fit for purpose less than two years ago and the elderly residents were forced to move out, I’m not convinced that Maes Emlyn is the right option," cllr Evans said. 

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, also voiced concerns.

He said at the time: "With specific reference to plans for Maes Emlyn, I am concerned both at the quality of the accommodation on offer and that the arrangement proposed could end up becoming longer-term in some form or other, or could hold back the planned redevelopment of the site.

"I believe that solutions to assist high needs individuals are likely to work best if there are multiple sites limited to several units only and I would ask the council to consider the scale of what they are proposing at Maes Emlyn."

The meeting will be held on July 3 at 6.30pm at Rhyl Youth Centre on East Parade.

An update will be provided on proposals and attendees be given an opportunity to put questions to the Planning Team.

Questions regarding the proposals for the Maes Emlyn site can be asked during the meeting as part of an open forum or submitted in advance.

Visit countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/project/704