WEST Devon borough councillors are aiming to build accommodation for the homeless and vulnerable next to Tavistock Hospital at the cost of £1.2-million.

The plan is to knock down houses already used for the homeless at Spring Hill and start again, offering more and better accommodation.

Members of the council’s hub committee were told by project manager Dan Field on Tuesday that the new Spring Hill homeless refuge will be larger and will be available to residents who need it from all of the borough, not just Tavistock.

The current buildings, which are said to be in an unfit condition, have nine units, which would be increased to up to 12. Work on converting the site, subject to planning permission, could begin by the middle of next year.

Mr Field, in a report to the committee, said the project could actually save the council money, which could be put to good use.

He said: ‘Success will be measured by a reduction in bed and breakfast use, which is unlawful other than in an emergency for families for longer than six weeks. Associated cost savings can be focused on homeless prevention work.

‘Furthermore, better-quality accommodation will enhance the occupants’ health and well-being and a linked reduction in anti-social behaviours that can be associated with these types of properties.’

The property had been leased to Westward Housing since 1989 to continue to provide accommodation for homeless households nominated by the council.

This was following transfer of the council’s housing stock to West Devon Homes and the lack of any housing management staff retained by the authority.

Last year, the council took back possession of one and two Spring Hill, following the termination of a long term lease.

A covenant states that the council is not allowed to use a building on the land for any purpose other than for the homeless.

The report to the committee said: ‘The properties are deemed not fit for purpose and due to their respective conditions are not fully occupied.

‘West Devon Borough Council’s vision is for the redevelopment of the site to better align with the council’s temporary housing needs.’

It goes on: ‘The preferred option, subject to securing planning consent, comprises of the existing building being demolished and rebuilt on a larger footprint to provide increased accommodation provision, that better meets the needs of the occupants and environmental standards.’

Mr Field told the committee that the project would be built to the highest-possible standards that would include using ‘green’ methods to make them as energy-efficient.

The council’s leader member for homes, Cllr Debo Sellis, described the plan as ‘an exciting opportunity for West Devon Borough Council and added: ‘It is something that I am very pleased to be working with.’