A proposal to convert two neighbouring buildings into a homeless hostel was granted planning permission.

Dozens of neighbours were disappointed by the decision after listening to councillors debate the scheme on Wednesday at Hove Town Hall.

Many of them were worried about possible drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in an area where there are two big schools, a nursery and a small home for youngsters with special needs.

And one neighbour shouted angrily at members of the Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee after it unanimously approved the building conversion plans.

The scheme aims to turn the former Lavender Lodge care home in Caburn Road, Hove, and a shared house in Dyke Road, by the Old Shoreham Road traffic lights, into a hostel.

The properties, opposite BHASVIC (Brighton, Hove and Sussex VI Form College), are also close to Cardinal Newman Catholic School.

BHASVIC’s senior management submitted a formal objection, setting out concerns about the potential for “county lines” drug dealers to target the area.

The hostel is intended to house 20 rough sleepers or homeless single men and women, predominantly over 25 years old.

Labour councillor Jackie O’Quinn addressed the Planning Committee on behalf of objectors, many of them living in Goldsmid ward, which she represents.

She said that the term NIMBY – Not In My Back Yard – did not apply to the objectors who were genuinely worried about the impact of a homeless hostel.

Councillor O’Quinn said: “They are not being NIMBYs about this. They have genuine concerns about this application and its impact.

“I was contacted by residents yesterday who had seen articles about the planning application.

“It appears that a number of residents and immediate neighbours had not received any notification of the planning application and this was the first they knew of it.

“I am concerned that as a ward councillor I received no notification by letter of this application, especially as it is of a very sensitive nature due to its purpose, its location and the concerns and fears it would arouse among local residents.

“The best way to approach it would have been to organise a public meeting where people could express their concerns, more detailed information could have been given and questions answered in order to allay residents worries.

“Adjustments might have been made to the plans as a result of such a meeting and at least local residents, schools and nearby care facilities would have felt they had a voice in the proceedings and a chance for changes to be made.

“As it is, residents were unable to bring a delegation to the Planning Committee today to voice their concerns because they were too late.

“On planning grounds, I would argue that this is too large a number of residents in the hostel and that they will have few communal facilities, particularly kitchen facilities.

“There is no outside space – so where will these residents go? I assume they will not be in their rooms for 24 hours.

“It is disingenuous to say that this number of residents will have no greater impact on the area.

“Security is also an issue as the applicants are stating it is impractical to have a ‘secure design’ system as recommended by the police.

“It is obvious that the needs of the 20 residents will be very great as they are having 24-hour supervision.

“Is it fair to expect the local community to deal with the wider impact of such a facility without proper support and consultation?

“I ask for this application to be returned to the committee once a full public consultation and meeting has taken place.”

The application for planning permission was submitted by Brighton and Hove City Council – and a council official, Sue Forrest, told the Planning Committee: “It’s not a care service.

“They will be people who have become homeless. They could have been thrown out by family or friends. They could have lost their jobs and be unable to pay their rent.

“Some may have mental health issues. Some of them may have drug and alcohol issues. Some of them may not.

“It will not be a drug rehabilitation service. Some people will have ongoing support from that service.”

She said that they were likely to spend up to 28 days there while they were assessed and found somewhere else to live while any health, care or support needs were met.

She added: “It’s about stabilising them and moving them on to the next stage.”