A CONTROVERSIAL plan to open a homeless hostel near to primary schools has been approved.

Planning Committee chairman Cllr Michael Stark had the deciding vote after members were split on the proposal for the hostel in Cambridge Park, Wanstead, last night (August 10).

Cllr Stark today refused to explain his decision, despite 150 people registering their opposition to the plan.

The way now seems clear for developers, Fadipe, to house 23 homeless people aged between 17 and 65 in the property.

Residents feared the hostel would attract crime and anti-social behaviour.

It is close to St Joseph's Convent School for Girls in Cambridge Park, and Our Lady of Lourdes School in Chestnut Drive.

There are also two care homes for the elderly nearby.

Those living near the site of the proposed hostel said they were dismayed by the decision.

Mick Goodenodh, 63, of Chestnut Drive, said: “I think it’s irresponsible for the councillors to give this plan permission.

“There are very strong feelings about this in the area which have been ignored.”

And Martin Masterson, 57, of Highstone Avenue, also criticised the councillors who voted for the planning permission.

He added: “I don’t think those who voted for this have taken local people’s views into account at all.

“We just have to hope that our fears are unfounded, but we will all be keeping a log of any problems we see.

“I think that’s all we can do now.”

Six members of the committee were present at the meeting.

Cllr Deakins, Cllr Sinclair, and Cllr Stark voted to grant the application.

Cllr Canal, Cllr Goody and Cllr Wilson voted to reject the application.

In a situation where the vote is tied the Chairman of the Committee has the deciding vote. The Chairman of the Committee is Cllr Stark.