So, the refusal of the Portobello works will delay the building of new plant for several years, according to Southern Water.

At present, surface water sewage is stored in a large tunnel running the length of Brighton and Hove's beaches. This is not far from Shoreham Dock's industrial area which already contains a power station and sewage treatment works.

The tunnel could be used as a conduit for pumped sewage in smaller pipes running between the incoming sewers, some new works and the Portobello outfall.

The works would cause minimal disruption, be inexpensive and be almost Nimby-proof. Or is this just too simple?

-Stephen Redfern, Queens Park Terrace, Brighton