Plans for a new apartment block have been approved despite fears about the kind of tenants it would house.
Home Group Developments was given the go-ahead to build 12 one-bedroom flats on Oban Terrace in Felling, Gateshead, by the council's planning committee.
The proposed block will also include communal space and an office.
A design and access statement submitted to Gateshead Council said the apartments are aimed at people who need additional support.
"The aim of this project is to provide attractive, secure and affordable supported homes for people with a range of care and support needs," it said.
The council's planning department recommended for the scheme to be approved, saying it has a "number of benefits" including creating housing and construction jobs.
This comes despite objections from neighbours who are concerned about natural light being blocked out.
Concerned residents also raised fears about how the development could "impact on the area" which "has a history of issues regarding drugs and other addiction".
But a council officer told the planning committee that who these apartments would house is a decision for the developer.
The design and access statement said these issues had been raised with the developer but added the building would be staffed round-the-clock to make sure tenants living in the new block were supported.
It said: "The client received feedback from six neighbours. The issues raised included appropriateness of client group, looking onto a brick wall and that their property would suffer from a lack of light.
"In response, the client advised that the service has been developed in conjunction with Gateshead Council and that the service will be staffed 24/7 to offer support and ensure safety to the client group.
"With regards to the lack of light, the client has commissioned a daylight and sunlight survey, included within this application."
The council's planning committee voted to approve the proposals.
