Households have reacted with anger to a proposal to set up a hostel for criminals in their street.

An application was made by Sanjay Raj to convert the property in Ollards Grove, Loughton, into an “approved premises” for offenders, otherwise known as a bail or probation house.

The application contains plans for six bedrooms, as well as details for staffing arrangements, CCTV installation and the rules residents would have to follow.

A curfew would be in place between 11pm and 6am.

Neighbours on the quiet residential street have arranged meetings to voice their opposition to the plans, with many pledging to write letters of objection to the council.

Colin Hart, 50, of Ollards Grove, was one of many who voiced opposition to the plan.

He said: “It is the last thing you want on your doorstop.

“It is just around the corner from the high street, where there are schools and pupils.

“It is just completely the wrong location for it.”

His concerns were echoed by a number of other people who spoke to the Guardian.

For more on this story, see next week's Guardian - out Thursday