I am sure many people will be disappointed with John Prescott's decision regarding the development of the Albion's stadium in a valley in the South Downs.

However, to allow it would break the rules on planning set down by his own department.

As a member of a local authority planning committee, I cannot see how the Brighton and Hove planning committe could have let the application go so far.

I am sure many local MPs and council politicians were encouraging the Albion on.

Anybody with a little nous must realise this application is not going to succeed because, if it had been a positive answer, the Goverment would have made sure that it came out before the recent elections.

As it is, this is now meant to take our minds off the lies and distortions surrounding the continuing war in Iraq.

However, a sigh of relief will be given out by all members of planning committees throughout the country.

Despite protestations, there are other sites which need to be looked at seriously.

-Brian Coomber, Shoreham