We assure Councillor Mingay (Letters, November 19) Brighton and Hove City Council makes every effort to accommodate members of the public at planning committee.

Until about a year ago, the planning applications sub-committee was held in the evening.

This was reviewed because meetings were taking longer to finish (10pm on one occasion).

The councillors feared, if this were to continue, some applications might not get the full consideration they deserved due to pressure to finish the agenda.

We were also concerned some people might not feel safe attending meetings late into the evening, especially those having to use public transport.

It was therefore decided to hold meetings from 2pm. This is working well. If members of the public are unable to attend the meeting, they can ask their local councillor to speak on their behalf.

The committee to determine the community stadium application allowed an hour for public speaking.

This was particularly successful and will be repeated for the forthcoming meeting to consider the Brighton station site.

-Coun Roy Pennington and Coun Bob Carden, chairman and deputy chairman, Brighton and Hove City Council planning applications subcommittee