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Neighbours living close to a town centre probation hostel have expressed their anger at plans to expand the facility.
Worried residents have lodged objections to the plans to add accommodation for a further 11 ex-offenders at Fleming House in Maidstone .
The Tonbridge Road site - officially know as an 'approved premises' - currently has room to house 31 occupants and is run by the National Probation Service on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.
A planning application submitted to Maidstone Borough council outlines proposals to demolish an existing garage and storage buildings, making way for the erection of the new housing.
If approved the new addition to the property would have rooms for 11 people, with additional kitchen facilities, showers and an interview room.
News of the plans has prompted people living nearby to express universal opposition in responses to the application.
Lauren Brooker, who lives in Westree Court with her son, says she feels uncomfortable walking in the area at night.
"It should be shut down and relocated to a more rural and secluded area..."
In her submission to the planning body, she said "Speaking as a young single woman living alone I already feel uncomfortable that this establishment is so close to me, I also have a very young son and we pass this establishment daily so not only do I worry about my own welfare, I worry for his too.
"I don't feel comfortable walking around my area come nightfall, obviously this gets a lot earlier come the winter months.
"If you have any consideration for the residents and businesses of this area you will not look to expand this facility. It should be shut down and relocated to a more rural and secluded area, if it is rehabilitation you are offering."
Other neighbour comments in opposition to the plans refer to people loitering in the area at night and people opening taking drugs.
Fleming House is staffed by the probation service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and staff carry out regular drug and alcohol testing, welfare checks and room searches.
A Probation Service spokesman said: "Approved premises such as Fleming House protect the public by ensuring offenders are closely monitored after their release from prison.
"We are expanding these across the country to reduce the risk of reoffending and the modest extension of Fleming House will help improve safety in Maidstone."
