Drug centre plans in Southend set to be rejected

Planning officials have recommended councillors reject South Essex Partnership Trust’s application to open a new centre in disused solicitors’ offices in Weston Road.

Three neighbours objected to the application, saying it was inappropriate to open the centre so close to bars and raised concerns of drug users gathering.

Julian Lowes, 55, chairman of Milton Ward Community Group, said: “If someone has a drug and alcohol problem, you are putting temptation in their way.

“We want to encourage the vibrancy of the town centre, not put people off with the potential of issues like that.”

Two doctors and 11 clinical staff would see between 32 and 35 patients a day in the pair of semi-detached properties on both a drop-in and appointment basis. It would open between 9am and 5pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and 9am and 7pm on Tuesday.

In a report on the application, case officer Sophie Glendinning said: “No information has been submitted to explain how the intensity of visitors to the premises would be limited, or the potential for gathering outside would be mitigated.

“Several letters of objection have been received which have raised concerns in relation to potential unsociable behaviour, particularly when visitors would be leaving and arriving.”

The report said the application failed to justify the loss of work premises.

South Essex Partnership Trust offers drug and alcohol treatment for the Taylor Centre in Queensway, but hopes to move to new premises by next March. It is considering alternatives to County Chambers.

A trust spokesman said: “The key objective of the relocation is to ensure that health services continue to be provided from easily-accessible locations within or around Southend town centre.

“The community drug and alcohol service will remain in Queensway until a suitable alternative site can be found.”

Southend Council’s development control committee will decide the plan at the Civic Centre at 2pm tomorrow.