Nigel Green said the proposed South Downs National Park boundaries would "constrain the future growth of the city" and went on to say the estimated population of Brighton and Hove would rise to 277,100 by 2008.

What drives so many people into our city or, indeed, into Sussex? On February 4, The Argus carried the story of a 3,500 housing development to the west of Burgess Hill.

In this story, we were told that Jimmy Hill and more than 200 angry protesters were campaigning against the increase.

How long will it be before the residents of Brighton and Hove become angry protesters?

At some point, we have to say enough is enough. If not, we shall lose our beautiful countryside and finish up with a vast immigrant population in this lovely county.

Mr Green and our city councillors should understand size is no substitute for quality. Make the city better, not bigger.

We value our countryside. The Downs are unique.

-Richard Allden, Council for the Protection of Rural England, Hove