Traders are fighting a housing scheme for single parents because they claim it goes against their human rights.

Solicitor Jill Whittaker is objecting on behalf of the Kemp Town Business Association against proposals for seven flats for single parents at St Anne's Institute in St George's Road, Brighton.

Traders in St George's Street said there were already five homeless and bail hostels within a half-mile radius of where they work, causing problems with aggressive begging and drug and alcohol abuse.

A planning application for the seven flats, which would be owned by the William Sutton Trust and run by Brighton Housing Trust, has been submitted to Brighton and Hove City Council.

Ms Whittaker is objecting to the plans claiming they break the Human Rights Act, which says people are entitled to a fair and objective hearing.

She said the same department at Brighton and Hove City Council decided planning applications and was responsible for housing provision, which could affect its objectivity.

She said: "Brighton and Hove City Council is quite unusual in that the same department draws up plans for housing provision and decides applications.

"It is important the local authority treats the matter fairly and we are not confident at this stage that is happening."

Jonathan Macfarlane, secretary of business association, said the scheme went against planning guidelines on privacy, access and developments being in keeping with the neighbourhood.

He said: "We have managed to create a lovely village environment and we are just feeling swamped with all the hostels being concentrated in one area."

Jenny Backwell, director of the housing trust, which also manages a social housing scheme in College Road, said the single parents' scheme was not for people with drug or alcohol problems.

She said: "People are always worried but I can only say we have about 300 flats and houses around the town and most of their neighbours don't even know they belong to us and they are social housing.

"Most women are single parents because their husbands have left them. I respect women who have been left with children and care for them. I have never seen a single woman begging with a child on the street."

A spokesman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "All planning applications are considered fairly, objectively and openly on their merits. Regard is given to planning law, planning policies and other material planning considerations.

"The decision making process is transparent, and applicants can challenge decisions via appeal to the Environment Secretary."