Fury as drug addict base gets nod from council despite huge protests
Heavily opposed plans for an addiction clinic and needle exchange in Cannock town centre have been backed by planners.
The rehabilitation centre has been recommended for approval by council officers with a final decision to be made by councillors at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.
The advice from officers comes despite a petition against the centre, which would open in the former Post Office building in Church Street, being signed by almost 1,000 people.
The recommendation comes after officers say the clinic would not lead to an increase in criminal activity or anti-social behaviour.
The clinic would be run by Addiction Dependency Solutions and be open for people aged 19 and over with substance misuse problems.
It would also offer doctor appointments, treatments and sterile syringes, and be open five days a week, with late-night appointments on Wednesdays.
The plans were revealed last month, prompting furious reaction from residents and business owners.
More than 979 people have so far signed the online petition to stop the move, with 500 of those signing it within 24 hours.
Cannock Chase Council has also received 18 letters of objection and a petition with 580 signatures. One letter of support has also been received.
Councillor Diane Todd, responsible for regeneration, has criticised the plans.
Those opposed to the plans claim Cannock Hospital or a location on the outskirts of town would be more suitable.
Shoppers have also voiced their concerns over personal safety, saying visitors would be intimidated by service users and some businesses have said the centre is likely to increase crime in the area.
However, council planning officers have recommended that the 'much-needed facility' needs to be based in a 'sustainable location'. The report by officers, which will be presented to councillors, said: "The concerns of the locals are noted.
"Overall it is considered that the positive benefits of the proposal, i.e helping local people with alcohol and drug addictions outweigh any perceived negative impacts. As such, the proposal is considered acceptable."
The clinic will have more than 500 users. There would be 13 members of support and clinical staff working from the site.
