Gay hostel allowed to remain open despite complaints

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A hostel for homeless young gay men in Sunderland has been given permission to stay open despite protests from residents.

The Gay and Lesbian Supported Housing Project, at Ingleside, Tunstall Road, Sunderland, was opened by HIV charity Wear Body Positive in June 2009 without permission.

It has now been granted permission by Sunderland city council to remain open for the next 12 months, the Sunderland Echo reports.

The house has space for 13 young gay men who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

However, neighbours have complained about noise and anti-social behaviour with some calls being made to police about young men fighting in the street.

Sixty-three people have signed a petition to the council against the planning permission.

Les Cheetham from the Ashbrooke Area Residents’ Group told a planning meeting that residents simply wanted “a peaceful life in their property.”

He said after the meeting that they expected permission would be given and would keep an eye on the situation before deciding what to do next.

Mr Cheetham added that the noise levels had subsided since a planning application was made.

Police said they were informed by Ingleside manager David Scoon that two trouble-making residents had been evicted.

The project must reapply for permission in 12 months’ time and was warned that further complaints may count against it.

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