Substance abuse recovery charity gets permission for Blyth drop in hub

Northumberland County Council’s south east planning committee approved by majority an application from Charter Recovery Housing (CRH) to convert a derelict takeaway into a drop-in centre.

The space, on Coomassie Road, will allow for meetings, life skills training, mentioning, group sessions, and informal drop in support. The premises has been vacant for around 10 years.

The charity specialises in helping people who are abstinent from alcohol or illegal substances hoping to make a move to independent living.

The plans proved controversial generating online objections ranging from worries about the suitability of the location, traffic, parking, and its proximity to a local school.

Speaking on behalf of the application, Naomi Thompson regional manager of CRH said: “We currently have four properties across Blyth, four properties that have never had anti-social behaviour raised by the police. In those properties we offer group working sessions, support, and one-to-one key working.

“We do that to support the individuals who live in those properties all within a very close proximity, one directly across the road. We offer support to those individuals to develop their recovery, to sustain that long term, to change their lives for good.”

Speaking in opposition to the plans, Cllr Natalie Rolls said: “This is not an objection to the community drop-in service, faculties like this have an important role to play. However, planning decisions must consider whether proposals are suitable for a specific location and in this case this is where the concern lies.

“The most significant issue is highway safety, with properties on a bend in the road where visibility is restricted. This is further constricted by parking on both sides which significant narrows the carriage way and makes a clear pinch-point.”

Councillors were also informed that Northumbria Police had worked with the charity to allay concerns and the external CCTV would be installed to monitor outside the facility.

The committee approved the plans five to one.