Fears over plans to build 12 flats for homeless people at Aycliffe’s old King Lear pub were aired at a special meeting last week.

Home Group hosted the discussion at Aycliffe Church Centre last Thursday, May 8, about the £1.35 million development.

Only nine residents from the estate attended the invitation-only event, along with four councillors and nine members from Home Group.

Becky Wright, Home Group capital development project manager, said: “We’re really pleased that people attended to find out more about the development phase and the service and that we had an opportunity to speak with them directly.

“Some residents had heard that it was going to be an ex-offenders service, house sex offenders or be a drug rehab service.

“We prepared a question and answer sheet which we handed out to everyone who attended.

“It made it clear what the service is and that it will not house ex-offenders, sex offenders or those needing drug rehab.”

Over 18-year-olds, who could benefit from supported living in a mixed society would be eligible to live in the flats and clients would have to agree to a no anti social behaviour clause in their tenancy agreements.

Town councillor, Chris Precious said: “They had no desire to engage in a dialogue, preferring to state their opinion and repeat their mantra, we have planning permission so will go ahead whatever anyone else thinks.”

Bob Page from the Aycliffe forum read a letter from estate agents, Bairstow Eaves, which indicated that when the homeless centre is built those living in St George’s Crescent would see a drop in the value of their homes by £10,000.

It is believed that this was dismissed by the Home Group, who said they would think differently once the flats are finished.

Ms Wright said: “The meeting was very productive and we’ll continue to liaise with residents and interest groups.”