A man who spent more than 30 years working with the homeless is fighting plans allowing a nursing home to be converted into a hostel.

Mental health nurse Ram Munbodh and other residents fear a hostel for the homeless would bring crime and anti-social behaviour to their quiet street.

Janek Masrani, owner of the Grade II listed Sunningdale nursing home in Eaton Gardens, Hove, says the request for planning permission is a precaution in case he cannot meet new national standards being introduced for residential care homes.

However, residents do not want him to have that option.

Mr Munbodh, 54, said: "I have nothing against the plight of the homeless and people with mental health problems.

"I have worked with them for 35 years and until a year ago was deputy manger of St Patrick's hostel for the homeless in Hove.

"I bought my flat because it was in a nice, quiet residential area, thinking it would be a nice place to retire to.

"I thought I would be getting away from the stress and the problems I have spent my life working with.

"Now I find a hostel for the homeless could be opening on my doorstep."

Mr Munbodh said his professional experience showed the hostel would become a magnet for people with alcohol and drug abuse problems from all over the city.

He said residents had until November 27 to object to the plans and most of those at Eaton Hall and other blocks of flats in Eaton Gardens would oppose them.

David Boyce, of Eaton Gardens, said: "The hostel will no doubt introduce drink, drugs and crime problems to an otherwise pleasant neighbourhood."

Mr Masrani would be allowed five years to convert the nursing home to a hostel if the application was approved.

New standards for nursing homes have to be met by 2007 and many owners face huge bills for upgrading facilities.

Mr Masrani said: "We are confident we can meet the standards but we will have to wait and see.

"This is a precaution in case we cannot. There is a massive problem with homelesness in Brighton and Hove so I think a hostel would be the best alternative.

"The nursing home is not closing and this is an internal management step we have taken."