A PROJECT to provide temporary housing for the homeless in Newton Abbot has won planning permission after claims that local opposition had 'stereotyped' the people it would serve.

The scheme had been proposed by Teignbridge Council, which has bought the former Albany Surgery for £300,000.

It intends to convert the building into ten units of accommodation with shared cooking facilities and an office staffed from 9am-5pm.

The idea generated 24 letters of objection with some people worried about an increase in anti-social behaviour. The town council recommended refusal.