of a womens' rehabilitation centre later this month.

The appeal against the application by the Fair Havens Christian Care Association to open a centre on Verdmont Road, Smiths, will be heard by the end of August.

The hearing will take place during a scheduled visit by the planning inspectors -- a new initiative by the Environment Ministry to make planning appeals fairer in the eyes of the public.

Fair Havens had planning permission for the 16-bed unit for women recovering from drug and alcohol dependencies, but the plans were put on hold after objections from six neighbours.

After considering written evidence from both sides, the inspector will send a report with recommendations to Environment Minister Harry Soares, who will make the final decision.

The new centre is planned for former tourist accommodation and would supercede the association's Victoria Street base, which only has space for nine people.

Fair Havens fear the objections have come about as a result of misunderstanding of what they offered. Officials moved to reassure residents there was nothing to fear from the proposal.