Other buildings in the area have become hostels

The plans were passed at a council meeting on Wednesday even though 500 people had signed seven separate petitions demanding the proposals for Pocklingtons Walk be scrapped.

Under the �1m scheme, the former register office will be converted to provide 41 beds.

The hostel will even boast kennels to cope with the pets kept by homeless people.

The plans had been discussed by a meeting of city councillors who voted 6 to 5 to reject the application last month.

But three others, Mary Dracott, Nigel Holden and the council leader, Ross Wilmot, objected to the decision.

Opponents claim the hostel would attract criminals and anti-social behaviour and reduce the value of surrounding properties.