From Brighton and Hove City Council's tall buildings study, a tall buildings SPG 15 (supplementary planning guidance note) has been produced for public consultation.

When finalised as SPG 15, this document will comprise "the rules of engagement" for developers and planners.

The future of our skyline is now in the hands of the public.

Five "nodes" and five "corridors" (including the seafront) have been identified as suitable for tall buildings over six storeys but no recommended limits to heights are given and nor is there any comment made about underground rivers, archaeology, soil types etc and one wonders why.

To buy the study or obtain a free copy of the tall buildings SPG 15 consultation paper, ring the council on 01273 292505.

Brighton, Hove and Portslade libraries have been given copies, as have City Direct counters at Hove and at Brighton town halls.

What should be written in SPG 15 to protect/enhance our skyline and our architectural heritage?

The deadline for public input is December 19 and there is no comeback if we get this wrong.

There is probably a queue of developers with finalised applications at the ready, waiting to pounce in the New Year on an unsuspecting Brighton and Hove, waiting to build monstrosities.

All that stands between us and that is SPG 15.

-Valerie Paynter, Hove