I'm sure many people will sympathise with the residents of St James's Place who cannot get a decent nights sleep because of the antisocial behaviour of people who urinate and defecate on their doorsteps (The Argus, February 7).

This is, of course, one of the pitfalls of living in the heart of the clubland of Kemp Town where some clubs have a late-night licence until 3am and a convenience store is open all night long.

Personally, I rather enjoy the hustle and bustle of Kemp Town where we have lived happily for 40 years but, during that time, we have noticed the area change dramatically.

One of the principle reasons there is an abundance of antisocial problems here is because Brighton and Hove City Council planning department have allowed many of our once-fine Regency homes to be converted into houses of multiple occupation (HMOs).

People living in bed-sitting rooms are usually short term tenants who, perhaps understandably, have little real interest in the community, unlike homeowners who usually stay for many years.

The national average for homeowners staying in a property is eight years.

We saw the potential of Dorset Gardens and commenced buying dilapidated houses there but the planning department refused us permission to turn them back into family homes and it took a good deal of effort and 308 people signing our petition.

Two of the properties we eventually purchased previously belonged to Brighton Council.

Lead valley gutters were stolen and the resulting water penetration caused a serious outbreak of dry and wet rot which cost us a substantial amount to remedy.

In the end, we instructed the Government Ombudsman to investigate this and other relevant matters and made a claim against the council.

After a good deal of correspondence and expense, the council did agree to sell us these two houses and at the same time reluctantly allow us to turn them back into family homes but it was a huge effort.

If the council planning department allowed a fair mix of family homes, self-contained flats and bedsits, this policy would go a long way to improving the area and, in the process, encourage a community spirit which is at present sadly lacking.

-Charles Holcombe, Kemp Town, Brighton