[H1]HITCHIN: Families and businesses have been left frustrated and fearful over a property deal that has led to a spike in anti-social incidents in the town centre.[H1]

[H2]Hitchin Nub News has been investigating this story following a £1.2m sale last summer that saw the Lord Lister Hotel turned into a hostel for individuals who have a history of rough sleeping or are at risk of rough sleeping.[H2]

The Grade II listed site in Hitchin town centre also now houses former convicts who have recently been in prison or are engaging with probation services, and have a formal mental health diagnosis and/or have a history of substance and/or alcohol misuse.

One concerned resident told Hitchin Nub News: "Everyone should have a second chance in life - and no-one is against helping people in their fight against drug addiction. It is also vitally important to help people with serious mental health issues.

"However, many families and businesses in the town centre are extremely concerned that the site simply does not cater to these demands.

"And so we are left with a number of people with serious issues in the town centre that are essentially left to fend for themselves - with all the attendant problems that arise from such a fact.

"Not least through a rise in anti-social behaviours that intimidate local people including children and families."

[H2]Spike in anti-social behaviour after deal[H2]

Anecdotally Hitchin Nub News understands there have been a rise in violent behaviour and drug dealing as well as threats of violence to innocent people including women and children.

In the most recent figures available, it is understood that the police have received 90+ specific calls and complaints from fearful residents relating to anti-social behaviour coming from the Lister - a figure that is growing by the day.

A number of people have also spoken with Nub News to share their experiences, which include witnessing public urination and defecating on a doorstep.

[H2]Police confirm anti-social behaviour complaints[H2]

Nub News spoke to Herts Constabulary who said: "Since the hostel was set up in November we have received a number of complaints from residents in the area about increased antisocial behaviour."

[H2]Hitchin MP Bim Afolami[H2]

Nub News also spoke to Hitchin MP Bim Afolami about the situation. "I regularly talk to a large number of people on a whole range of matters relating to Hitchin and the wider constituency," he said, "but I have to say I have been taken aback by the strength of feeling on this.

"I am monitoring the situation and would welcome anyone who is impacted by the current situation to get in touch and raise the matter with me."

Many Hitchin residents have also reported unease regarding the circumstances of the sale.

[H2]Questions put to North Herts Council[H2]

What we know is that the planning application was received by NHC on January 20 this year.

Campaigners allege that the £1.2m sale deal between Keystage, the Lord Lister and NHC that took place last August was made behind closed doors with due process being ignored.

However, NHC tell Nub News that it met the criteria to be decided under the delegated decision-making procedure.

This is strongly disputed by campaigners (see Hitchin Nub News for more on this particular claim by NHC) and it was 'called in' by councillor Keith Hoskins in the wider public interest as it was generating considerable public interest.

This means it will be determined by the Planning Control Committee.

Nub News also asked NHC why many concerned residents allege the deal was pushed through by a single person behind closed doors with no committee involvement.

NHC replied: "It wasn't. The £200k government funding was allocated under delegated authority in accordance with 'Special Urgency' provisions as set out in the council's constitution.

"The planning application is still to be determined by the Planning Control Committee."

Nub News is hoping to interview NHC leader Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg after the pre-election period comes to an end after Thursday's Highbury and Hitchin South by-election

NHC leader Ms Dennis did tell Nub News: "I'm of course aware of the anti-social behaviour concerns residents close by have and sympathise with them.

"Keith Hoskins has been supporting residents and working with them on their concerns."

[H2]Lord Lister change of use jars against Local Plan[H2]

The change of use for the prime town centre site also jars against The Vision for the Hitchin Town Centre Strategy included in our area's Local Plan, which states that it should "maintain the quality of the built environment based on its intrinsic historic character, and to develop an attractive, safe, accessible, vibrant and lively town centre for the local community and visitors to shop, work and live in."

A strategy that is now under threat from constant anti-social behaviour, which also includes reports of people at the Lord Lister urinating out of windows onto the pavement below.

[H2]Objections to Lord Lister change of use[H2]

The strength of feeling has been underlined by a large number of concerned residents raising fears with North Herts Council, with 96 planning objections officially lodged already.

Section 12 (paragraph 130 f) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that: "Planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments create places that are safe, inclusive and accessible and which promote health and well-being, with a high standard of amenity for existing and future users; and where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience."

A large number of objections lodged with NHC state that the change of use simply does not adhere to the government framework above.

[H2]Crisis talks[H2]

Nub News understands a meeting has been arranged by North Herts Council to discuss the situation and agree solutions to hopefully address the increase in reports of crime.

This emergency summit meeting is taking place tomorrow, Thursday (March 10) and will be attended by representatives from Keystage, local police and other partner agencies.

Keystage said: "We look forward to the opportunity for more conversations with the community as we invite people in to see the service, and to provide further reassurances during the planning process.

In response to the above, campaigners have told Nub News that they were not invited to the previous meeting, nor has Keystage directly communicated with the Lord Lister's direct neighbours.

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Hitchin Nub News aims to attend any future open days at the former Lord Lister Hotel in order to put a number of questions to Keystage.

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[H2]There is still time to lodge your objection to the change of use for the Lord Lister by contacting North Herts Council quoting reference 22/00170/FP.[H2]

Or you can write to (or email) the Development and Conservation Manager - Simon Ellis, quoting application reference 22/00170/FP.

If you do want to object campaigners say should you explicitly state 'I object' in your correspondence to:

[email protected]