Manna House in Kendal submits plans for pod to South Lakeland District Council

Kendal’s Manna House has submitted a planning application to South Lakeland District Council (SLDC) to put a pod in the charity’s garden at its Stephenson Centre in Ann Street.

Plans would see the installation of a temporary, moveable shelter in the form of a compact pod for use to accommodate one homeless individual in an emergency.

According to planning documents, the charity, which supports homeless and vulnerably housed people, has identified the need for such short-term, overnight accommodation for homeless people during out-of-hour periods.

The charity said the shelter will provide a safe space, as well as protection from the weather.

The pod would be provided by the charity Amazing Grace Spaces, which makes readymade units designed specifically for that need.

SHELDER: Inside the pods

The small temporary pods- constructed from an insulated timber frame- are pre-fabricated off site and incorporate one single bed and a chemical toilet.

The pod can be accessed via a key code controlled by Manna House staff and a solar panel installed on the pod will provide all electrical requirements, meaning a connection to mains electricity is not required.

Planning documents state that: “The proposed temporary shelter will provide safe, short term accommodation to a homeless individual in an emergency, preventing deterioration of health and risk of death during cold and adverse weather conditions.

“The proposed pod is a temporary structure that can be easily moved and relocated without having any impact on its immediate environment.

“The pod will not affect any of the existing buildings or carpark in the immediate vicinity.

“The pod is self-contained and does not require any additional services such as an electrical

connection or drainage.

“All boundaries are to remain unchanged.”