Controversial plans to convert Workington's Old Rectory into accommodation for vulnerable people have been approved.

Despite having received a 307-signature petition and 14 letters of objection, Allerdale council's development panel voted in favour of the scheme proposed by Croftlands Trust.

The charity is due to turn the grade two* listed building at 5 Dora Crescent into six flats to provide support for people with mental health issues.

Residents said they were concerned that people recovering from drug misuse could be living in the house and that could lead to an increase of anti-social behaviour.

The panel heard objections from four speakers.

Catherine Williams, who owns the Toddler Town nursery on New South Watt Street, said: "We don't want the children to witness unacceptable behaviour.

"We've already had incidents involving the police one afternoon at 4pm, where two people were injecting drugs. 

"Croftlands are stating it's people with mental health issues that are going to be living there but we fear there's going to be people with drug-related problems."

Dominic Shaw, who lives in the old stables block nearby, said: "You say there is no evidence to suggest that users will cause anti-social behaviour, but you also have no evidence to suggest that it won't happen."

Sonia Mangan, managing director of Croftlands Trust, said: "One in four people in this room today will be affected by mental health issues in their life, either themselves or through people close to them. Mental health issue don't automatically lead to anti-social behaviour.

"I can't guarantee that the people who will be living there don't have drug and alcohol problems, but that's not the primary reason why we are working with them."

Councillor Malcolm Grainger, who abstained from voting, told planning officers that the views of residents should have been considered more strongly.

He added: "These people have to live there 24/7, we have a duty of care, we must find a sensible balance somewhere."

Councillors Mark Jenkinson and Bill Bacon voted against the plan.

Margaret Reay, who lives next door to the old rectory and had set up the petition against the plans, said: "I feel let down. My husband is recovering from cancer and we can't cope with any more stress."

Ms Mangan said: "I'm delighted that the planning application has been approved. 

"What we need to do now is consider everything we have heard today and have a review of that and work out how we can work with the community so they feel more positive about the people we are going to be supporting.

"This is a vital part of what we do as a community to support adults with mental ill health. 

"This is a grade two* listed building that's going to be cared for in a very sympathetic way. That gives us a sense of pride."

The planning application to alter the listed building was approved unanimously.