A bid to house homeless people at a former care home in Great Yarmouth has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

The proposal for Mildred Stone House on Lawn Avenue will be discussed by Great Yarmouth Borough Council's development management committee on Monday, December 18.

The council itself is seeking permission to change the use of part of the former care home to create 20 bedrooms for temporarily housing homeless families or individuals.

The change of use is being sought for three years and there would be nine rooms for single people and 11 rooms for families.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A homeless woman rolling a cigarette. A homeless woman rolling a cigarette. (Image: Brittany Woodman)

A report prepared by planners ahead of next week's meeting says the scheme would be a "temporary step" for dealing with homelessness in the borough. 

Planners said a lasting solution would be the creation of more stable housing options in both private and social rented sectors - but using facilities like Mildred Stone house reduces reliance on B&B accommodation and also repurposes a vacant building.

This would overcome issues raised by neighbours such as the dumping of rubbish and appearance of the building, they said.

The scheme would also allow the property owners time to plan for the future of the site while the council implements additional measures to boost the availability of permanent housing, planners added. 

READ MORE: Councils spend £1.7bn on temporary accommodation amid homelessness ‘crisis’

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Mildred Stone House on Lawn Avenue in Great Yarmouth. Mildred Stone House on Lawn Avenue in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Google Maps)

The care home is currently empty after closing as a residential care home for people with dementia in March this year.

Under the proposal, the property would be leased from the current owner, a private care company, and used by the borough council.

The existing office space and communal areas would be used by borough council staff and external agencies working with the occupiers to secure permanent homes.

There are four objections to the plan with residents raising concerns over the loss of dementia care home, a rise in anti social behaviour and impact on property values.