It has come to my attention that planning permission has recently been granted for the construction of an after-school club on the playing fields near Cooksbridge Road, Brighton.

Neither I nor any of my neighbours in properties bordering the site received notification of this planning application.

We have been told by a planning officer that local residents were informed - this is not the case.

I believe this is a case of discrimination against disabled people. A large proportion of the residents affected by this decision are disabled and we have had no opportunity to comment.

We believe the decision to grant planning permission was not taken properly and would like the decision to be reviewed, including proper consultation with local residents.

Ken Bodfish, leader of Brighton and Hove City Council, replies: Mr Vaughan and other neighbours in Cooksbridge Road, Downash Road, Coolham Drive and Horley Place were notified in writing in November of these plans and given the opportunity to comment. A notice was also posted on the site. No responses were received. Had we been aware of concerns from disabled people, we could have arranged to meet these neighbours at their homes to discuss the proposal. It is difficult to see how the new after-school club will impinge on Mr Vaughan's amenities as the nearest part of the site is 30 metres away from the boundary of his property. The planning application was decided fairly. The decision to go ahead with an after-school club in this area will provide a valuable resource to local families.

That's why

I thought I should help David Smart (Letters, March 20) with his reading comprehension.

The Labour Party leaflet to which he refers includes a statement of commitment to all Albion supporters by Labour's three candidates in Hangleton and Knoll ward, Brian Fitch, Gerry Keilty and James Thompson, who "support Brighton and Hove City Council's efforts to make a community stadium a reality and provide a permanent home for the Albion".

It also states the two-year extension granted by the Labour council for use of Withdean until 2005 and the permission for another 2,000 seats is good news for Albion supporters.

While I am certain many Albion supporters in the ward will be voting Labour, there is no statement of the kind to which Mr Smart refers.

If I can give any further help to Mr Smart to aid his understand of why so many people vote Labour, please let me know.

-Norah Buckley, Holmes Avenue, Hove