PLANS to turn a hotel into a residential home for people with mental health problems are set for approval on Thursday.

The proposal to convert The Bear Hotel at Cravens Brow in Bolton Road in Blackburn into a “supported living service” for 16 to 35 year old people with “medium to high levels of mental need” has attracted 370 objections from residents.

Regulars at the Golden Cup Pub in Dale View have signed a petition against the development, saying it would “lead to a feeling of vulnerability and insecurity”.

Neighbours have claimed it would put people living in the area at “considerable risk” and cause increased levels of noise and traffic.

However, Lancashire Police said it had no objections to the scheme, commenting that “it should not lead to any increase in crime levels”.

And Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council planning officers have recommended that the plans should be approved, indicating in their judgement that the impact of noise, traffic and disturbance from the site “is considered to be less than the current use” of the building.

Applicants William Pearse said 20 of the two-storey building's 22 bedrooms would be occupied on a six to 18-month basis by the new residents, while the remaining two rooms would be used for emergencies.

Forty jobs would be created for 20 full time and 20 part time staff.

The hotel itself would not be physically changed by the development but steps would be built down to a footpath south of the site.

A car park ramp and a northern boundary wall would also be altered.

The meeting to discuss the plans will be held at 6.30pm in the council chamber on floor two of Blackburn Town Hall.