Council's plan to put homeless people in car parks

The council proposes that a total of four "emergency living pods" will be installed at the bus station and Venn's Close.

The proposal says: "As part of Herefordshire Council's response and provision of emergency winter accommodation for rough sleepers, the council will purchase emergency accommodation pods to augment the provision of a shelter at Symonds Street Hereford.

The council's plan for what a pod will look like (Image: Herefordshire Council)

"The pods would occupy an area equivalent to three parking spaces. The pods obtain power via a PV panel that stores energy in a battery to power an internal light and USB port. They have a single bed and a chemical toilet.

"It is proposed to use the pods to accommodate people sleeping rough, between December and April. At the end a review of arrangements will take place and these pods may be relocated. The option to leave them sited or to relocate them back to the same location for the winter of 2024 and 2025 and beyond is requested.

"Planning permission is being sought for the Symonds Street Acorn building to change its use temporarily. This is being progressed jointly by colleagues from the PMO and property services already."