Residents in London Road learnt last week that the application to build flats opposite London Road station has been refused (The Argus, March 22).

It was a proposal which was cramped and inappropriate and would have meant the destruction of a slow worm colony. The locals who worked hard to fight this development can congratulate themselves - but thanks must also go to The Argus.

Jean Calder wrote about this issue from the heart and raised its profile (The Argus, February 8). Councillors Kevin Allen and Amy Kennedy also both offered valuable support and Coun Kennedy spoke at the hearing.

Sadly the planing officer, Jason Kaye, who did such a great job has now left Brighton and Hove City Council. I wonder if the chairman of planning, Ted Kemble, is aware of just how under-resourced this section is now.

For now the land is safe as a green space and the slow worms must be pretty relieved too.

  • Edward White, Springfield Road, Brighton