A FORMER hotel could become a place for youngsters to live and learn if plans go ahead.

Sinclair Brown, owner of the Balmoral Hotel, in Valkyrie Road, Westcliff, has submitted a planning application to transform the empty building into a Foyer, which will offer skills and education to 16 to 25-year-olds, and a roof over their heads.

The plans have outraged residents who feel it is merely a money-making scheme for developers.

Julian Lowes, chairman of the Milton Community Group, says there is already too much bedsit type accommodation in the area and said this facility wasn’t what was needed.

He said: “We are dead against it and will definitely be fighting it.

“We will end up with more problems; there is already a rise in street crime, muggings and violent crimes.

“Potentially Westcliff is a wonderful area, so why should we keep suffering just because we have got mixed housing facilities here. If they feel really strongly about helping these people then put the Foyer in Thorpe Bay and spread it around.”

However, Paul Seager, of ACS Design – the hotel owner’s planning agents – said he hoped the town would back the scheme and said the building would never become a hotel again.

He said: “We would like to think the community and the councillors especially will back a worthwhile scheme. It is a much needed facility for the town, which will help with the future of the Balmoral hotel.”

Mark Flewitt, Southend councillor responsible for children and learning, said the plan would help young people in the town turn their lives around.

He said: “I think in the context of their needs it will be very good, but obviously the over-riding view always comes from planning officers.

“Youth unemployment is very low in Southend which is superb, and we will do all we can to maintain that.”

Foyers are sponsored and run by organisations such as housing associations, charitable trusts and employers. There is one in Southview Road, Basildon, which takes in youngsters living in unsuitable accommodation or threatened with homelessness.

Sharon Playle, from the Foyer Federation, said: “Most will stay for up to two years and by then they are really independent, but they are always welcome back if they need help.”

As well as 19 bedrooms for trainees and staff with en-suite facilities, the proposed plans will incorporate a manager’s flat, a central kitchen, small communal kitchens and lounges on each of the two upper floors, two training areas and offices.