MORE bedrooms are needed at a homeless shelter in town to cope with the increase in rough sleepers in the borough.

That is according to a planning application set to be discussed by councillors next week.

Members of the development management committee will be asked next Wednesday, November 29, to approve plans to create eight new bedrooms to boost the amount of emergency overnight accommodation at James Lee House on Brick Street.

The existing chapel/meeting room would make way for the extra rooms at the building which is run by the Salvation Army.

The application says: "This accommodation has been identified as being key to helping address the increase in rough sleeping in the borough as accepted by the Homeless Commission Priority Action Group.

"The council’s public health team considers that this provision will ensure those in need of emergency housing are safely housed and have access to appropriate support for their needs, which can include substance misuse.

"No additional staff would be required as a result of the proposal."

The application has been recommended for approval.