In response to Valerie Paynter's letter (January 6) about planning applications, not only do we welcome feedback on planning applications as soon as they are received, we also welcome views from the public at the planning committee which gives a generous amount of time for public comment on individual applications.

On major applications such as the West Pier, we have given up to 30 minutes for members of the public to comment. In the case of the application in Somerhill Road, any comments we receive up to the day before it goes to planning committee will still be taken into account.

The content of each letter will be considered in detail by the planning officer before reaching a recommendation.

The Christmas break has not prevented residents from viewing the plans and making their views known as more than 40 residents have commented so far.

The planning office was also open on December 31 and January 2.

We therefore do not accept that anyone has been denied an opportunity to engage in the planning process and hope residents continue to submit their views as the application progresses to committee.

-Councillor Bob Carden chairman, Brighton and Hove planning applications sub-committee