The article about the proposed development of a block of flats in Rottingdean (The Argus, July 23) reported comments made by Alan Phillips which damage the commercial interests of others.

The people adversely affected are the leasehold owners of a number of flats and the freehold owners of the two buildings to which he specifically referred.

These blocks are being maintained and refurbished and, in those circumstances, the comments made by Mr Phillips are not only inappropriate but untrue.

As an architect, Mr Phillips might reasonably be perceived to carry an authority beyond mere idle gossip but his comments may adversely affect the marketability and value of any leasehold placed for sale.

He also expressed his vision for that area beyond the borders of the development site with which he is concerned, adding to the weight of damage because, as a development architect, it falsely implies knowledge of circumstances in which the survival of the existing blocks might be perceived to be short term.

The blighting of these properties by these comments is totally unacceptable.

-Daphne Woodcock and Hilary Feltham for and on behalf of the directors Gatefinal Property Management Ltd, Highcliff Court, High Street, Rottingdean