It is good news for commonsense and animal welfare within the city that Brighton Sealife Centre has decided not to build its proposed seal, penguin and otter pens.

It is a shame Brighton and Hove City Council's planning committee did not have scope to reject the application but, thankfully, the centre has seen sense.

I only hope it doesn't prove a temporary reprieve and that the council will seek assurances future developments will promote animal welfare rather than trading off it.

-Daniel Yates, Brighton