CONTROVERSIAL plans to build flats for homeless youngsters look set to be approved on Thursday, despite long-standing opposition from neighbours.

More than 300 residents living near the proposed site at Spa Mill, Whittlefield, Burnley, have signed a petition opposing the proposed development.

They have also raised a fighting fund cash pot and appointed Colne-based specialised planning consultant Alison Roland who will present their objections to members of Burnley Borough Councl's Development Control Committee when they meet..

The scheme submitted by 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.

A petition of 300 names has been handed to Mayor of Burnley Coun Gordon Birtwistle and more than 80 residents have attended a meeting to meet and discuss ideas with Alison Roland.

Coun Jo Challinor, whose ward covers the site, said: "We are hoping that Alison can find some objections that can stand up.

"We are aware that it is not going to be an easy task. But we are all in agreement that we do not want to give in without trying."

"It was worth raising the money to hire her and show Burnley Council that we mean business.

"The main concern for residents are the affect it will have on the locality.

"These people will be young, probably unemployed and have a lot of time on their hands.

"It is all speculation but you cannot blame them for worrying."

A spokesman for West Pennine Housing Association said that the flats would support young people so that they can move on and become positive contributing members of the community. "At the moment, there is so little supported housing provision in the town."

Residents have agreed that any money that is surplus in the fighting fund at the end of the campaign is to be donated to a local hospice.