Efforts to set up an off-licence in Barkerend, Bradford, have attracted opposition from residents who argue it is too close to a hostel used by people with alcohol problems.

Vinay Dhand, who operates a similar store and off-licence in Baildon Green, is fitting out a new shop at Otley Road. His application to Bradford Council for permission to sell alcohol from 7am to 9pm, seven days a week, has been opposed by residents who have complained to the authority and collected a petition.

Letters to the Bradford licensing panel say residents’ safety could be jeopardised as “immediately across the road is a hostel where most of the residents have a problem with misuse of substances, alcohol being the main one”.

They go on to say that “this unit will promote and encourage more drinking, thus causing more anti-social behaviour – congregating outside the hostel, causing nuisance and noise pollution”.

But Mr Dhand said he has spoken to those running the Kelsall House scheme, which is operated by the Bradford City Centre Project and offers temporary accommodation for homeless 16 to 25-year-olds.

He said it was a project for the young homeless and that it was not against his business.

A spokesman for the scheme added that it had not registered an objection to the off-licence application.

Mr Dhand added: “I’ve been running off-licences for the last ten years, and I spoke to the hostel myself to see if there was a problem, and they said they haven’t objected. I can only assume it is a business rival who has complained to the Council.

“Hopefully the application will be successful, but we will have to wait and see what the panel decides. I am still fitting the store out at the moment. In fact, a number of people have said there is a need for a shop like mine in the area.”

He pledged to install CCTV in the shop and operate a strict proof-of-age card policy, as well as keeping a personal licence holder on the premises at all times.

The matter will be determined at the panel next Monday, at 10am, in City Hall, Bradford.