A hostel condemned as a refuge for drug-taking, foul-mouthed trouble-makers should not be expanded, councillors have ruled.
Colchester Council's planning committee last night dismissed proposals for four extra rooms to be built on the site at 30 New Town Road.
Members took the decision after hearing from resident David Hanley, who said the addition of the wheelchair-accessible rooms would add to misery caused to neighbours by tenants at the privately-run hostel, used by the council to put up troubled young men.
"The police attend there nearly on a weekly basis," Mr Hanley said. "There are drug-users and people with mental health and alcohol problems."
Officers advised the committee that the extra rooms would not create a serious increase in problems.
Members said residents' views should not be ignored but threw out the plans on the grounds that the size and design of the building would be detrimental to neighbours and result in cramped conditions at the hostel.
Published Friday, January 21, 2005
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