I was not surprised Brighton and Hove Council has given permission for yet more drinkers in the Aquarium Terraces development (Argus, August 31). From the start, it has been totally supine towards Compco's wishes.

The reported comment that permission could not be refused because of a lack of evidence connecting drinking and crime in the area is laughable. Planners less keen to lean over backwards to gratify these developers' every wish could have refused it on the grounds permission for the development originally envisaged upmarket restaurants, not a row of drinking outlets as it is now becoming.

Do our planners have shares in the breweries?

This area has now become so violent at night the streets are virtual no-go areas for ordinary citizens. Recent headlines include several vicious unprovoked attacks. Lesser fights, brawls, assaults occur almost nightly.

Next year, when the Aquarium development finally opens, with its colossal nightclub and its various pubs and bars, the situation can only become worse.

-Bryan Childers, Marine Parade, Brighton