A residential centre for former drug addicts has been given the go-ahead despite protests from residents.

Phoenix House, which gives substance misusers a chance to rebuild their lives and end their dependence on drugs or alcohol, has won permission to move its Hove Family Centre from Seaford Road to a larger site at Chanctonbury House, in Dyke Road.

Care staff and clients at the current centre were overjoyed by the decision and already making plans to convert the building.

But residents were furious that Brighton and Hove Council has overruled their objections.

There were 88 letters of objection and two petitions, but permission was granted on an eight-to-four vote.

Councillor Chris Morley, who chairs the committee, said there had been no suggestion dealers would be attracted to the residential centre.

Bob Westley, chairman of the Prestonville Community Association, said: "We are very disappointed the council decided that the nature of our protests was not of sufficient weight to deny Phoenix House planning consent.

"I am not convinced that Chanctonbury House is the right place for an organisation like Phoenix House."

Paul Myles, of Hill Road, Lewes, objected to the plan because he felt the clients would be a bad influence on students at Brighton and Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, Dyke Road, which his son attended.

He said he would call for a meeting of parents to discuss an appeal against the decision.

Two former heroin addicts undergoing a detoxification programme at the centre issued a joint statement, saying: "This service has helped us to gain control over our lives and feel safe to begin being even better parents to our lovely little daughter.

"This move to the new premises will help even more families to get the help they want. We hope the local community will see that the people who come to this type of service are here because they want to change."

Karen Morgan, family services manager for the Hove centre, said: "This will allow our families to make real and lasting changes for the benefit of themselves and their children.

"We have always maintained good relationships with the local community and we intend to build on this."