So, once Brighton and Hove City Council has worked out its planning policy, we can expect to see more high-rise buildings in the city.

Because such buildings are so eye-catching, well-thought out design is important. But once approved and constructed, what are we doing to ensure the architect's original concept is not degraded by the people who come to live in the buildings?

The design of Sussex Heights, in Brighton, was enhanced by the open balconies cantilevered out from the sides.

Today, almost all of those balconies have been filled in with glass and, even worse, there is no consistency in the design of the glazing.

Some have dark bars, others white. On one side alone, I counted six different designs.

Sussex Heights is now a major eyesore.

Do the city planners have no control over this degradation of a major building?

If not, what is being done to ensure the same thing does come to afflict the buildings now under consideration?

-Bob Gunnell, Brighton