Controversial plans to convert Workington's old rectory into accommodation for vulnerable people is likely to be approved on Tuesday. 

Croftlands Trust wants to convert 5 Dora Crescent into six flats to provide people with mental health issues, who will be supported by staff. 

It will be considered by Allerdale council's development panel. 

Neighbours have objected to the proposal, and sent the authority a 307-name petition and 14 letters against the scheme. The council also received an objection from town councillor Andrew Lawson. 

People are concerned that there will be an increase in crime, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol use and devalue their properties.

They added that the planned alterations to the grade two* listed building were not in keeping with the surrounding conservation area.

Planning officers have recommended that the scheme should be approved. 

They said there was no evidence that users of the building will be a cause of anti-social behaviour. 

They said the alterations were sympathetic and a loss of a property's value was not a planning consideration.

Croftlands operations manager for West Cumbria, Karen Tomlinson, said: "This is a much-needed service in West Cumbria. We run a number of similar schemes in other parts of the county and always work hard to engage the local community to maintain good relations and be a responsible neighbour."