AN extra floor for a block of Art Deco style flats has been refused.

Neighbours sent in more than 60 letters against the extra floor for Hove Manor, raising concerns about the look of the extension which would add three flats on to the listed building.

It was these concerns for the look of the building, which is in Hove Street, Hove, a conservation area, that ultimately led councillors to unanimously refuse permission.

Neil St John, chairman of the Hove Manor’s right to manage committee, which is made up of leaseholders, spoke on behalf of residents.

He told the committee residents “truly care” about the building by taking care of the building themselves.

Mr St John said: “We’ve put our money where our mouth is by bringing Hove Manor back to its former glory as much as we could.

“It is an Art Deco 1930s building and we are hoping to make it a striking architectural feature in the area.

“So for us, any development should be in keeping with those goals we have, to make sure this building reflects the conservation area it is in.”

He described the proposed flats as similar to new flats on top of nearby Viceroy Lodge, which he said looked like wooden sheds dumped on top of the building.

Concerns were also raised by residents about the lift being out of action in the centre of the block, where nine people over 70 and five registered disabled people live.

Central Hove Labour councillor Clare Moonan spoke in support of residents.

She describing Hove Manor as a “much loved building”, adding: “We can get the extra units but we can also ensure the character of the conservation area is maintained.”

Both Mr St John and Councillor Moonan asked for a condition for an alternative lift.

However, architect Abe Mohsin said the lift was not suitable.

In his presentation Mr Mohsin described his design as elegant and unobtrusive.

He said: “It is a contemporary approach but there are many examples of contemporary additions to 1930s buildings which are quite successful.

“With the right detailing and the right choice of material, I believe we can achieve something which is high quality.”

Reasons for refusal were the mass, scale, bulk and design and the impact on the conservation area.