I was shocked to learn of the passing of Nimrod Ping. In 1974, I became borough planning officer of Brighton and appointed Nimrod as architect in the new planning department.

He played a key role in our successful efforts to conserve Brighton's Victorian heritage which, hitherto, had been under threat of high-rise redevelopment.

Only this year, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of the North Laine Conservation Area and its Community Association (NLCA).

North Laine has been a success environmentally, socially and economically.

I retired in 1983 and Nimrod went on to become a councillor and chairman of the planning committee. However, we came together again in 2003, when Nimrod helped me set up the group Heritage Over Vandalism, Actually (HOVA) to oppose the King Alfred proposals.

He shared my conviction that, whatever the status of architect Frank Gehry, this massive scheme with its grotesque towers would be alien to the conservation areas along Hove seafront and to the very image of the town.

Nimrod was a great colleague and deserves all the tributes which have been made. My condolences go to his brothers and associates.

I only hope a sensitive outcome to the King Alfred problem will mark his environmental legacy to the city.

-Ken Fines, Hove