It was interesting that Mr Ibekwe's pro-Gehry comments (Letters, March 21) assumed the majority of local residents were as firmly in favour of the "tin can towers" as he is.

That is one of the many problems about this scheme - everyone thinks their view is not only the right one but is undoubtedly supported by the majority.

While it is sadly not practical to have a referendum on everything the council inflicts upon us, such as the various silly road junctionnarrowing schemes designed to cause traffic congestion, surely something as important and contentious as the Karis development should be put to the vote, polling everyone who would be affected by this long-term blot on the seascape.

The question put should not ask whether people are in favour of redeveloping the King Alfred.

Obviously we would all like to see the derelict structure either renewed or thoroughly refurbished.

The poll should ask instead whether the Frank Gehry design currently on offer is acceptable to the voter. And this should have to be asked again if Karis simply alters a couple of drain covers and then resubmit virtually the same design.

Then, even if the majority opinion of the residents were ignored, as seems to be the case with most issues both locally and nationally - until election time comes around, of course - at least the true feelings of the local public would be known, rather than have to be argued about.

  • M Boyask, New Church Road, Hove