The chief executive of a home for disabled ex-servicemen says he is saddened at a failed bid for a £5 million extension.

Worthing Borough councillors yesterday voted against the proposal for a two-storey annexe at The Queen Alexandra Hospital Home, known as Gifford House, in Worthing.

Six councillors agreed with planners to refuse the application because the design and scale were not in keeping with the main building, which is in conservation area.

Gifford House sought permission for the building because of new government regulations, requiring care homes to have single rooms with en-suite facilities.

Now bosses will have to go back to the drawing board to find an acceptable proposal.

Chief Executive John Paxman, who attended the meeting along with two ex-servicemen, said: "I am saddened the committee have taken this decision.

"It appears we are caught between the requirements of the new Care Standards Act and the understandable desire of the planning authorities to minimise developments.

"The team and I will endeavour to find a compromise."

He said the home needed to update its facilities which would result in the loss of 25 beds from its total of 60. The annexe is intended to compensate for this loss.

Councillor Francis Wingate said: "I am not against any of the principles of the proposal. Gifford House needs an extension and I want them to have it. But I would prefer architecture more in keeping with the area."