PLANS for a hostel have been withdrawn because a care company felt the girls living there wouldn’t have been given a chance by the local community.

Lodge Group Care UK had planned to open a four-bedroom house for teenage girls, who had just left the care system, in Bowfell Drive, Langdon Hills.

However, strong opposition from more than 30 local residents, who feared the hostel would bring antisocial behaviour into the area, has led to the scheme being dropped.

John Timbs, director of the care group, said: “This is such a shame. There was a misinterpretation of what it was going to be before we even got the keys for the property.

“There was a rumour going round it was going to be for ex-convicts when in reality it was for up to four girls, aged 16 to 17, living in a supported environment, with a member of staff to help them build up the skills to live independently.

“Four girls now aren’t going to get the opportunity to live there – it wouldn’t have been fair for them because everyone would have been looking out for them to slip up.”

He said his colleagues had visited some neighbours to explain the situation, but felt people had already decided they were against it.

The project didn’t require planning permission because fewer than six people would have lived in the house, which the company was renting.

Residents said the hostel would have been unsuitable for a quiet cul-de-sac.

Linda Martin, 58, of Great Berry Lane, said: “I’m glad because I don’t think it was right for this area. There are no transport links and there would have been nowhere for these people to go.

“There might have been more passing traffic and girls walking along the road at night.”

John Schofield, Essex county councillor for Westley Heights, was contacted by 36 worried residents. He said: “I’m pleased we’ve been able to respond to the concerns of people opposed to this property.”