‘Nude’ residents attract objection over Lancing rest home plans

Six households objected to Drumconner Rest Home’s proposed single storey extension to provide 17 extra bedrooms.

Concerns over the Brighton Road home’s application, officially submitted to Adur District Council, ranged from issues over privacy of patients, loss of light and potential increased traffic. A report to the committee read: “Privacy of patients already breached. Often view half-dressed or nude residents.”

Adur planning committee granted the application on Monday.

Councillor Geoff Patmore said: “We have an ageing population and places like this are going to be at a premium in the future. It will enhance it for 17 older people.”

Councillor Carol Albury raised the issue of access for emergency services but officer Gary Peck explained West Sussex County Council Highways had discussed the matter and raised no objection.

The home, along with objectors, did not speak at the hearing.

General manager Linda Kinsman denied the allegations.

She said: “We were very upset to hear nearby residents have concerns about the privacy of our residents.

“It is untrue that the privacy of our patients has been breached and we are very upset at the suggestion this is the case.

“We are not happy that these comments have been made to the council about our home.”