Planning permission has been sought to convert a care home at 14 Eaton Gardens, Hove, into a hostel for homeless people.

This application is a private enterprise. One wonders which caring agency would supervise and control the selection of residents? It is not an initiative of Brighton and Hove City Council.

It is a frightening trend to close down rest homes for the aged and infirm and certainly not something a responsible council should consider or condone.

Housing homeless people is a complex issue which must be addressed by the Government in a carefully considered and appropriate manner, not by any local private enterprise at its independent whim.

Hove is a sedate area chosen by people who like to live in a harmonious and law-abiding environment.

The creation of such a hostel would be alien to the character of this pleasant area, which would be vulnerable to the increased risks of antisocial behaviour - petty crime, drug abuse, noise and other disturbances are likely.

-Mr and Mrs M W Stevens, Eaton Gardens, Hove