RESIDENTS concerned about plans to change the use of three terraced homes into one property for homeless men have been reassured that it will be properly managed.

Stockton Borough Council has received a 48-name petition and two letters of objection following plans by the charity Turnaround Homes to use three properties in the town's Leybourne Terrace as managed assisted accommodation.

The facility provides temporary accommodation for homeless men aged between 16 and 25. The three houses have been operated by the charity since 1993 as separate properties.

But following a council investigation last year it was discovered the houses had been linked internally and were being used as one hostel, for which planning permission was required.

Neighbours say they have to endure a high level of anti-social behaviour and believe this will only get worse if the scheme is allowed to operate as one unit.

They have said there are also problems with abusive language, drinking and shouting late at night, and broken glass.

A report to the council's planning committee, which will meet today to discuss the plans, said: "It is considered the use as a single hostel will have little additional detrimental impact than the existing three separate houses housing the same homeless men."

David Stovell, acting on behalf of the charity, said: "The whole purpose of creating the one property is to improve the management of the operation and provide better control.

"It provides temporary accommodation for those who need it, allowing them to get back on their feet.

"There is always going to be some local concern, but we are going to improve an already existing operation for the benefit of all those concerned."