PLANS to convert a former care home into an asylum seeker hostel were approved last night despite a demonstration by protesters.

Halton Council’s development control committee granted permission for the vacant 60-bed Lilycross Care Centre on Wilmere Lane to be turned into temporary accommodation for 120 people who have fled persecution from their homeland.

Campaigners who fought to save the building as a care home have vowed to continue their battle.

Around 80 protestors waved placards outside the meeting in the Select Security Stadium and a similar number attended the discussion.

The protestors, who have the backing of UKIP, are now considering taking the decision to judicial review.

A petition signed by more than 3,500 people had been submitted.

Campaigner Derek Williams said: “This has been an absolute travesty of justice.

“They have completely disregarded the local consensus.

Mr Williams pointed out that a judicial review will be very costly for both sides but such is the strength of local feeling that residents plan to pursue it.

“This will be Lilygate for Halton Council and will cost them a lot of money.

“The Labour council has railroaded this application and it is not right.”

A report presented to councillors concluded: “We do believe that the location and design of the Lilycross Care Centre lends itself to being a safe and secure premises for asylum seekers.

“We do recognise that after speaking to a small group of residents representing other locals and other local business communities that there are concerns and fears in relation to the building’s change of use.

“The concerns were not based on prejudism or discriminatory views but instead focused on the majority of the new residents being young males and the fact that so little would be known about the background of these individuals.”

The plans were approved subject to conditions including the building will be inspected weekly by the Home Office.

Asylum seekers will be given a regular shuttle bus to attend Liverpool offices where migrant help, urgent care health screen and interviews will take place.

The newly named Wilmere House will provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers while Home Office checks are carried out.

After three weeks those living at the hostel would be moved to a more permanent place to live or their application may be deemed unsuccessful.

The facility would be funded by the Government and operated by Serco which runs similar sites across the UK.