A housing association has announced plans to turn a former retirement home for actors into a rehabilitation centre for recovering alcoholics and drug users.

Phoenix House has submitted a planning application to take over the Chanctonbury home in Dyke Road, Brighton.

But the move has been attacked by residents, who fear the area could become a haven for street drinking.

Phoenix House had previously tried to open a facility in Eaton Garden, Hove, to replace its current cramped facility in the town's Seafield Road.

The application was withdrawn after strong protests from residents.

The latest application has been criticised by neighbours, who say the property is situated in a sedate neighbourhood near blocks of flats containing many elderly residents.

Windlesham School is less than 100 yards away and there is also a play area for pre-school children nearby which forms part of Dyke Road Park.

Bob Westley, chairman of the Prestonville Community Association, said: "Clearly this is not an area into which an establishment like this should be introduced.

"Whilst we understand that the managing organisation has restrictive rules regarding substances brought on to the premises, they have no control over their client's actions away from the accommodation.

"There are three pubs and two off-licences within easy walking distance and as vigilant as the licensees may be it is easy for people to obtain alcohol.

"Also the presence of substance misusers in the area attracts those seeking to benefit financially from the sale of such substances.

"No doubt Phoenix House will make much of the fact that their clients are former substance misusers but they cannot guarantee against people relapsing and their client list changes on a regular basis."

Nobody from Phoenix House was available to comment. But speaking at the time of the Eaton Road application, a spokesman said: "I can understand the concerns but the reality is it will be a highly organised care home.

"We are the largest drug rehabilitation association in the UK."