Seeing pictures of Nicholas Hoogstraten's half-built palace, Hamilton Place, near Uckfield, I cannot be alone in wondering at the efficacy of the planning process that permitted this vulgar pile, "the biggest folly of the 20th Century" to come into existence.

Its size is grossly excessive. Its architectural quality is risible. Its environmental impact is appalling.

In every way, this grotesque edifice mirrors its owner's egomanic, tasteless and bullying nature.

It gives the Sussex countryside the kind of unmerited beating that, by all accounts, Hoogstraten liked to give his enemies and lovers.

Yet, presumably, every last wing, turret and portico of this gargantuan, rubbishy development was given proper permission by the due authorities.

Perhaps they could explain how this came about?

-Graham Chainey, Marine Parade, Brighton