CONTROVERSIAL plans to house homeless young people near a school and a church in York have been given the go-ahead.

But some nearby residents fear the former Acorn Guest House, in Southlands Road, could become a "halfway house", accommodating anti-social youngsters and those waiting to go to court.

The building is to be converted to provide temporary housing for up to five young people mainly aged between 16 and 17, who are homeless or at risk from being homeless.

But local residents believe development is totally inappropriate and could affect local businesses, the elderly and youngsters in the area.

David Wilson, speaking on behalf of the residents, said: "We have not been given guarantees that they are not these sorts of people.

"There are no amenities in the area for that age group so they are going to be hanging around on street corners.

"There will be an increase in noise with five teenagers and they will have no school to go to or jobs."

The police have also expressed concerns, and in a letter to the planning committee, Police Architectural Liaison Officer Jim Shanks, highlighted a similar scheme in the area which had regular problems requiring a police response.

He said local community police officer PC Dave White - who declined to name the other scheme when contacted by the Evening Press - had to pay regular visits to deal with an array of crime and anti-social behaviour, complaints and problems.

Mr Shanks said the majority of problems were not caused by the residents but friends and "hangers on".

Steve Woodford, from Foundation Housing, who will run the development, said: "It is not a house for ex-offenders. It is a house for young people who have staff on site on a 24 hours basis.

"We will work with the community with regards to community safety issues."

He said there may be times when visitors were not allowed to the premises and any problems would be addressed.

Despite objections councillors came out in support of the development.

Coun Sue Galloway said: "I understand the concerns the residents have, but at the end of the day, I am convinced if this is not run correctly the residents will start to shout. This is going to be a first for the city and we are all very keen that it succeeds."

Coun John Galvin said: "It is not another Poppleton Road bail hostel, it is somewhere we give these kids a start in life - I think we have to try that."

After the meeting Mr Wilson said he was very disappointed by the decision.

He said: "It is not a dig at the company, they came across as being very professional. It is the clientele that is going into the place that is the problem."

Updated: 11:30 Friday, January 17, 2003