it seems Matt Morris is against local democracy in his tirade against pressure groups who argue against the architectural monstrosities being forced upon the people of Brighton and Hove (Letters, February 5).

The new buildings being advocated are not only uninspiring, Mr Morris, they are downright ugly.

Brighton's unique character comes solely from its Regency past, which he likes to sneer at and deride.

No matter what people who advocate modern architecture say, no modern 20th Century building ever sits comfortably in a mostly 18th and 19th Century setting. Until the powers that be realise this, we will never have

a city we can once again be

proud of.

As for other cities having modern architecture, all the cities Mr Morris cites are a damn sight larger than Brighton.

Where are the high-rise skyscrapers in the centre of Paris, Vienna, Venice, Florence or Rome? All these cities have managed to keep their beautiful 18th and 19th century vistas by resisting modernity, particularly high-rise buildings. Closer to home, can anyone really imagine the beautiful city of Bath having high-rise skyscrapers hoisted on it? I think not.

And what is all this claptrap that just because we are now in the 21st century, we must all embrace architectural change?

Looking at the destruction that has been wrought upon cities such as London, I think it's essential we now start to embrace the past more and more.

If Mr Morris loves modernity so much, I suggest he moves to Los Angeles or Bilbao, where he can drool over the ever-increasing forest of concrete, glass and metal.

He can then leave the rest of us to enjoy a beautiful Regency city.

-Derek Coles, Peacehaven