A hall of residence for nearly 300 students looks set to gain planning permission despite protests from people living nearby.

All students at Northbrook College, Worthing, currently live off-campus.

This will change if Worthing Borough Council approves plans for a residence for 286 students in Littlehampton Road next week.

A spokesman for the college insisted the project would be an efficient use of vacant land for much-needed student accommodation.

Several people have written to the council warning a large student residence would result in students climbing over walls on the south side of Littlehampton Road to get to Boxgrove shops.

They claim the wall has already been knocked down by students taking a shortcut.

They have also voiced fears about extra traffic.

Council officers have raised no major objections to the plan.

Head of planning Mike Bleakley said: "With the use of high quality materials and comprehensive landscaping, this development would preserve the high quality landscape and environment of the site and create an attractive environment for students."

He said the plans should be approved but with slight changes to provide easier access for disabled people following a letter from the Worthing Access and Mobility Group.

A decision will be made on Monday.