A NEW hostel will provide "a stepping stone to independence" for young homeless people in Darlington, according to the organisation behind the scheme.

Homeless charity The 700 Club says it has high hopes for its hostel, which will be sited in the vacant St George's Hall in Elmfield Street.

Charity manager Shona Kinnie said: "It isn't specifically for young people but there will be a youth element because it will be for first-time homeless people.

"We will try to catch them while they are vulnerable and get them back on their feet."

Work to transform the disused church hall will begin in March and it should be ready for its first residents to move in at the end of the summer.

Eventually, the building will contain 11 bedsits and house 12 people. One unit will have wheelchair access and another will be suitable for a couple.

The project was approved by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee on November 17 despite strong opposition from Northgate Community Partnership, which would have preferred to see the building turned into a community centre.

Ms Kinnie said: "It is unfortunate that two different organisations tried to achieve something for the community. Ours was fortunate enough to be granted and there is no animosity.

"The hostel will have 24-hour support staff to monitor and provide care throughout the building. Access will be until 1am and then from 6.30am. We want it to have a low profile so that people embrace the new project. Hopefully, we can work with the community to achieve that.

"We specifically will not admit people who have a known history of substance abuse - Darlington is very fortunate that all the agencies work together and there are other types of provision in the area.

"But someone could become homeless and be unwilling or unable to go to family or friends for help. These people need somewhere short term.

"It could be that we have someone with low support needs or emotional support. It is a stepping stone to independence."

Short-term homeless people will be accommodated for no longer than three months and staff will offer interviews by appointment.

"There's a need for diversity in the accommodation that is available," said Ms Kinnie.

"This is a prevention approach to homelessness."

The 700 Club will manage the hostel in partnership with Home Group Housing Association's Stonham division. Running costs will be met by the borough council.

Richard Goddard, Stonham agency manager, said: "The housing association is in the process of acquiring the building from the United Reformed Church and work will begin in March.

"The hostel will help homeless people in Darlington terrifically. There's an enormous need as existing projects are having to turn people away. The idea is that support will be given to people until their accommodation needs are sorted out once and for all."

Prospective residents will be referred to the hostel through a variety of agencies, including the council's homeless section, the social services learning care team and homeless charity First Stop.