POLICE were called to disperse more than a hundred angry protesters after controversial plans for flats for homeless youngsters were approved by Burnley Council.

Officials were forced to call for help after residents opposed to the development at Spa Mill refused to leave the town hall following last night's decision.

Councillors were forced to wait in the committee room while the crowds were told to leave the building.

Only 30 protesters had been allowed in to the meeting with more than a hundred waiting outside for news of the council decision.

When news filtered through to the waiting crowds that the flats had been approved there were angry shouts as residents demanded to speak to councillors.

A police spokesman said three officers had attended the scene following a call at just after 8pm.

He added: "We were called to the town hall where some residents were complaining about an issue. We attended and the crowds that were in the town hall and outside dispersed about 20 minutes after we were called in."

The plans for the flats in Whittlefield with Ightenhill have prompted people to fear the effects of having homeless youngsters living nearby.

More than 300 people living near the proposed site have signed a petition setting out their concerns.

They had also raised a fighting fund and appointed Colne-based specialised planning consultant Alison Roland, who presented their objections to the Development Control Committee of Burnley Borough Council at last night's meeting.

The scheme by the West Pennine Housing Association and the Stepping Stone Project is for 12 one bedroom flats for young people aged between 16 and 24 on land at Junction Street in the Spa Mill area.

One protester, who asked not to be named, said outside: "It is an absolute disgrace, first that these plans have been allowed to go ahead even though there is so much opposition and second that so many people were kept out of the meeting. I thought we were supposed to live in a democracy.

"Everyone here is worried about their homes and their families and our concerns have just been ignored."

Coun Peter Doyle, leader of the Conservative group, said: "In this application a substantial number of local residents do not want this development to take place, not just one or two as is often the case.

"I believe the residents are genuinely fearful of the effect homeless young people will have on the area and especially on the peaceful enjoyment of their homes.

"Unfortunately, homeless people obviously have very little money and many, but not all by any means, drift into a lifestyle of crime and drugs.

"We may be told that few such people are to occupy this development but can we be sure that such people will not occupy it in the future."

But Coun Peter Kenyon said there was a desperate need for housing for homeless youngsters in the borough and welcomed the development as sending out a positive message to young people.

Patrick O'Brien, of Stepping Stone, said the development would not be a hostel but would provide accommodation for homeless youngsters for up to two years.

He said there had been no reports of crime at another similar project in the town.

Tom Forshaw, head of support and member services at the council, said: "A significant number of members of the public refused to leave the town hall after the meeting and several were abusive to council staff and members.

"Due to the potential for disorder police were called to calm the situation and help clear the building."