The Aspens facility, located in the middle of the Highwoods estate, Mexborough, has provoked anger from nearby residents who say are distressed by its presence near their homes and live in fear.

A number of these residents were given the opportunity to air their views on day three of the inquiry at Danum Hotel in Doncaster last Thursday.

Concerns included the number of CCTV cameras around the building and the potential intrusion into the privacy of local residents, the reflective windows that prevent people on the outside looking in but allow those inside to look out, and the noise from the Aspens residents.

Local resident Linda Holdsworth said: "The noises these people are listening to are stressful and they do not know if they are hearing cries of distress. Children are listening to this and they do not know why they are acting this way. You cannot explain to a young child what is actually happening."

Mrs Holdsworth also said that a friend of hers, Marie Oliver, has had to move out of Mexborough because she could not stand to be near the Aspens any more.

Carol Upton lives opposite the facility. She said: "I've seen people stood in the top window. There was somebody actually standing there looking out towards my house and I now close my curtains as soon as the lights come on at night because people can see into my front room."

Others spoke of their fear of what Aspens residents might do when they are introduced into the community in order to help their rehabilitation.

Gerald O'Dowd said: "I have not seen anything but we are always watching. What if some altercation should happen? It only takes one."

The site's owners Cambian Healthcare state that residents are stringently assessed before allowed into the community and that all residents have been assessed as suitable for community rehabilitation by NHS professionals who are independent from the healthcare company.

The inquiry centres on how the Aspens should be defined as a facility and whether or not it can be classed in the same bracket under planning law as an old people's home.

Originally a residential home for the elderly, the Aspens was purchased in 2004 and reopened as a rehabilitation facility for people with mental illnesses by new owners Cambian, sparking debate with Doncaster Council over the legality of the change.

Cambian claim that the Aspens is operated as a care facility and so does not require planning permission as they have not changed the function of the building.