A plan to house criminals on a quiet residential street is set to be blocked following significant public opposition.

It has also emerged that there is no government backing for the plan to convert a house in Ollards Grove, Loughton, into a halfway house for six or more criminals released from prison on license.

David Linnell, of the Loughton Residents’ Association, said he had spoken with the district council officer responsible for the application, who told him the application would be refused due to the large number of complaints and objections.

Since the application was made on December 1 by Sanjay Raj, an online petition opposing it has attracted 167 signatures.

Loughton Town Council has objected to the plan due the property’s location close to family homes and schools, ahead of a decision by Epping Forest District Council.

Any plan to house offenders outside of prison requires permission from the Ministry of Justice and the National Offender Management Service.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: “It is not something we endorse or authorise.

“Even if it got planning permission, we still have no plans.”

An official decision on planning permission for the property is due from Epping Forest District Council in January.