A PROPOSED care home for three elderly people with mental difficulties has drawn nearly 40 objections from neighbours.
Those living nearby claim the proposed use of the house in Mead Way, Coulsdon, would be unsuitable for its residents, too noisy, and eat up a much-needed family house.
Despite this, the plans were approved by the council's planning committee last Thursday.
Mead Way resident William Murray spoke on behalf of "36 objecting neighbours" at the meeting.
He said: "None of us are against community care and all agree with the concept of vulnerable people being integrated in the community."
But, he added, the design was too cramped and difficult for the proposed residents and on a dangerous part of the road.
He said there was a strong chance of noise "bearing in mind the mental state of the proposed residents".
The home's would-be founder, Lucy Phiri, assured residents it would not cause a nuisance.
She said: "People are living longer and they should be able to live independently within the community despite their mental health problems.
"They should not be discriminated against."
Rodney Burridge, 79, lives next door to the site and looks after his 99-year-old mother at home.
He said he was concerned his mother would be disturbed through the thin walls separating the houses, as well as for the elderly in the home.
He said: "I am worried about the noise and the disturbance, and I am worried for the residents who might not be able to get around."
Explaining his reasons for looking after his mother in the home she has lived in since 1948, he added: "I felt that it was her home and she would not want to go into an impersonal care home."
"I am going to try to keep her here as long as possible."
