Backing for hostel plan

PLANNING officers have backed a bid to convert a Seaford care home into a hostel for single parent families.

The Horizon Housing Group wants to convert Abbotsleigh, at 75 Sutton Road, into a home for six adults and up to 11 children.

As a care home for the elderly, Abbotsleigh does not meet new Government guidelines so a change of use is being sought.

Neighbours have opposed the plans saying the house would be unsuitable for young children because of its location on the busy A259.

Concern was also raised about lack of parking and noise.

The new hostel would be made up of six bedrooms, a lounge, cr che, office, kitchen and utility room. A community worker would be on call 24 hours should any problems occur.

When the planning application came before Seaford Town Council in December members recommended Lewes District Council reject it on the grounds it was unneighbourly and did not have enough space for a play area.

A district planning officer s report accepted some noise and disturbance would be caused by the new families.

But it added: 'In the back garden, however, the noise of traffic passing on the A259 is audible and therefore the background noise levels are different from a location in, say, a residential area away from a busy road.

'It is considered that, on balance, the level of noise and disturbance likely to be generated by the amenity use of the rear garden would be acceptable in planning terms.

The application was due to be discussed by the district council planning committee this week.