Proposals to increase the percentage of planning applications dealt with directly by officers has absolutely nothing to do with giving them more power (Letters, July 8).

This proposal is based entirely on the desire to improve efficiency and speed up the process for people submitting planning applications.

These are not large developers but ordinary householders seeking to improve their homes.

We are currently debating whether or not to take planning applications to committee if there are at least five objections - at the moment, there only has to be one - which would not only speed up the process but allow the planning committee to concentrate on the major and controversial developments that deserve full discussion and consideration.

As a regular attendee, Ms Paynter knows the large number of planning applications the committee has to consider every time it meets.

Many are straightforward and there is no reason they could not be dealt with direct by officers.

It would in no way remove any rights from the applicants or objectors nor interfere with the "checks and balances" in place to ensure that fair decisions are made.

To correct a final point, the sculptures on Connaught Road were refused permission by the planning committee but the developer won the case on appeal (a process independent of the council).

Councillor Bob Carden

-chair, Brighton and Hove planning applications sub-committee