But the majority of members disagreed with the view, and finally voted 12-1 to grant planning permission for six flats suitable for wheelchair users on the site of a garage compound in The Ridgeway.

The committee heard the scheme was intended for people at present living in NHS-run accommodation which was scheduled to close in coming years.

It would be single-storey, so there would be no overlooking of nearby rear gardens.

Cllr Anne Scicluna said she was disappointed there was no garden for the development – people with learning difficulties needed a garden.

Cllr John Connor said he had every sympathy with the aims of the application. "But quite frankly, a more depressing and less stimulating site I can't imagine," he added.

"Is this the best we can do for these people? If it is, then I find this very sad."

A committee report said West Sussex County Council had been working closely with HydeMartlet, the district council housing market and the Sussex Partnership NHS Trust for more than two years to bring the application to this point.

"The new housing will enable these people to live much moreindependently in their own specially-designed flats," it added.

With the moving of long-term institutional care into the community, in line with government policy, the need to provide this type of residential accommodation would increase.

The present site was under-used and open to an increasing level of misuse.



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