BOSSES behind a drug and alcohol addiction counselling centre are appealing against a decision by North Somerset Council to refuse it planning permission. The move marks a last ditch attempt by Western Counselling to house a new addiction treatment centr

BOSSES behind a drug and alcohol addiction counselling centre are appealing against a decision by North Somerset Council to refuse it planning permission. The move marks a last ditch attempt by Western Counselling to house a new addiction treatment centre in the heart of Weston against the wishes of residents and councillors.The local authority refused permission for the centre, in Whitecross Road, earlier this year at a west area committee meeting over concerns about noise made by counselling clients and members of the public using the building.Residents living nearby wrote almost 80 letters of objection. Many believed that recent improvements to the area would be undermined by a treatment centre, which could increase crime and disorder.The Planning Inspectorate, an independent body, will hear the appeal and decide whether an inquiry will take place. If an inquiry proceeds an inspector will hear representations from the local authority and residents who originally opposed the scheme.Residents who wish to comment on the appeal must do so before the deadline on November 12 by visiting www.pcs.planning-inspectorate.gov.uk or writing to The Planning Inspectorate, Registry/Scanning, Room 3/01 Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN. The case number is 2053722.