Plans to convert a former nursing home into a hostel for teenage asylum seekers have sparked controversy.

Charity leaders are seeking planning permission to convert a house in Fitzalan Road, Littlehampton.

It would be used to house ten 16 to 18-year-olds from war-torn countries such as Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe who are studying at Chichester College.

But the plans have attracted criticism from the community and Littlehampton Town Council.

Neighbours say they are worried racial intolerance could lead to trouble.

They are also concerned about groups of teenagers congregating outside the hostel and that the youngsters will be supervised at night but not always during the day.

One said: "I'm shocked. I'm not sure this is the right location for it."

Another said: "Littlehampton seems to be turning into a dumping ground for the rest of the county. I'm very worried. We don't know exactly who will be sent here."

Littlehampton Town Council says the hostel could have a detrimental impact on the area and a significant negative impact on neighbours.

Wendy Squires, vice-chairman of the authority's planning committee, said: "It is a very difficult subject and we did a lot of soul searching over this application.

"But we felt that we couldn't support the application because the property is semi-detached and there are concerns from the neighbours."

Chichester Christian Care Association, which put forward the plans, said a similar project in Chichester had been a great success.

Miranda Litchfield, deputy general manager of the association, said: "A new hostel is needed because the number of children arriving unaccompanied on flights into Gatwick, where they claim asylum, is not abating.

"The children are mainly from Africa and go straight into the care of West Sussex Social Services.

"I know local people have fears about the hostel but what we are planning is a very positive project.

"Some of these young people have been through horrendous experiences. They don't want to cause trouble. They are keen to carry on their education."

Despite the fears, planning officers at Arun District Council are recommending the plans are granted conditional approval tomorrow and two letters in support have been sent to the council.