The Marine Connection, part of the coalition which worked to prevent Brighton Sealife Centre's proposed seal and otter enclosures, is delighted to hear the the plans have been abandoned.

At the outset, it was unacceptable for the planning sub-committee to authorise the plans as there were major concerns about the proposed facilities and the animals within them being exposed to noise, pollution and potential invasion by items thrown into the enclosures.

The Marine Connection and coalition members were especially troubled to learn the planning subcommittee was in fact encouraged by the chairman not to consider animal welfare in this case.

This situation has highlighted the wider implications for animals in planning law. If a planning committee must consider public safety and disabled access, why should it not also consider the well being of the animals to be contained in a structure (where applicable) before the structure is built.

The Marine Connection was disappointed to read Merlin Entertainments claim those campaigning for the prevention of these enclosures used "extremist action".

The charities involved in the coalition acted professionally and helped to raise awareness on a community level, to which much of the general public responded.

I therefore fail to see how the actions of the coalition can be described or regarded as extreme.

It was simply a case of providing public education on the issue to allow people to draw their own conclusions about the issues involved.

-Andrina Murrell, captivity officer, Marine Connection, London W2