PLANS to build a women's refuge in the heart of an east Cleveland estate have been refused, despite planners recommending it for approval.

Residents this week won their fight to block the controversial proposal for the hostel in Dormanstown.

A 300-name petition and 30 letters of objection helped convince Redcar and Cleveland Borough councillors to turn down the plans, submitted by Accent North East.

The plans included demolishing an old council work depot, at The Green, and building ten self-contained units to be used as a community family home.

But neighbouring residents listed many reasons why the council's planning committee should go against the advice of officers.

Among their objections were fears the new hostel would attract further anti-social behaviour, and transform into a bail, drug or paedophile hostel.

One objection stated: "Such victims should be re-integrated individually into particular areas, and not identified as all living in a refuge."

Other objections included late night and early morning disturbance, an impact on house value, a lack of services, such as doctors and chemists, and an increase in danger for children.

Councillors refused the plans on the grounds the hostel would be in an inappropriate location.

Speaking after the meeting, ward councillor Cliff Houlding said: "We supported the residents fully in this application. I accept there is a need for hostels in this area, but this was not the appropriate place. There are no amenities there for a start.

"The planning committee, in its wisdom, accepted the objections put forward. I think it was down to the strength of feeling and the case put forward by each individual speaker."

Councillor Vilma Collins said: "I am not against refuges, because they are very necessary for people who are troubled with domestic violence in many cases, but The Green in Dormanstown is the wrong place for that, because it would be open and everyone would know it was there.

"It is not a case of 'not in my back yard'. People just felt it was the wrong place. I have never seen a petition with so many names - it was people power and you have got to have that sometimes."

Accent North East was unavailable for comment.