THE number of households in emergency accommodation across Adur and Worthing has increased by 35 per cent in the last 14 months.

Now homeless people are set to receive more support after plans to create a temporary accommodation centre were approved.

Worthing Borough Council’s planning committee passed the proposal to convert the former NHS building in Lyndhurst Road into a 37-bedroom hub.

The proposal, brought forward by Roffey Homes and Worthing Churches Homeless Project in conjunction with the council’s housing department, will support single homeless people who are in need of emergency accommodation.

With emergency housing at a premium in the town, councillors believe the centre will offer safe and secure short-term shelter for people in Adur and Worthing until suitable permanent properties can be found.

As well as ensuring the homeless receive greater support and care, the move will also reduce the local authority’s reliance on expensive and unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation.

Councillor Heather Mercer, Worthing Borough Council’s executive member for customer services, said: “Homelessness brings a cost to everyone involved, whether it is individuals, families or the state.

“So it is vital that we continue to do everything we can to make sure that those without shelter are offered the best possible support to prevent homelessness and providing a safe place to live.

“Families and individuals who become homeless need advice and support on the services available to help them move back into settled housing.

“This new centre will have all such services under one roof and all the expertise needed to help residents move forward positively.

“It is a great example of what the public, private and third sector, with support from our communities, can do if we all work together.”

Roffey Homes will be offering the building to WCHP rent free.

The proposal will also see a three-bedroom flat and offices for use by WCHP on the ground floor.

Up to 15 staff from charities and other agencies will be based in the building.

The accommodation will have a staff-controlled central entrance and a minimum of two staff on duty 24/7 in order to ensure it is fully safe and well managed.

Permission to use the former NHS offices and nurses’ accommodation as a short-stay accommodation centre for up to five years was granted by councillors.