A SHELTER for the homeless has been allowed to expand and refurbish its premises despite an objection that people living there have 'abused residents' and need to be controlled.

The Hyndburn Christian Stable, in Russia Street, Accrington, was granted permission to create seven new flats for needy young people.

The plan involves three new first floor flats and replacing two large dormitories on the ground floor with four flats for the homeless.

The application, provisionally approved last month, had to be put before Hyndburn development services again after a resident wrote objecting to the proposal.

The resident said there was inadequate parking at the site, homeless people had abused residents and nearby property would be devalued.

But the objections were dismissed by council officers and the plans were approved. The committee as a whole also voiced its appreciation for the good work carried out at Hyndburn Christian Stable.

Three new flats will be created on a new first floor. Each one-bedroom flat will have its own kitchen and bathroom. At present washing and cooking facilities are shared.

Homeless people aged between 16 and 25 will use the flats where they will be allowed to stay for up to a year.

The Christian Stable was first allowed to house homeless people on the site in 1993.

The organisation takes in people referred by the Department of Social Security, housing associations, social services and Hyndburn Council's housing department.

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