After reading about the pleasure island and seeing the picture (The Argus, February 7), my first reaction was I couldn't believe the architect paid £20,000 for such a model.

But then I realised the absurdity of the idea, as well as the danger.

Firstly, an artificial island may alter the long shore drift, where pebbles are carried along coasts making beaches. It could cause some beaches along the south coast to disappear.

Secondly, Mr Phillips said he came up with this idea walking on the beach. At present, when you walk along the seafront and look out to sea, all you see is the sea. If he has his way, all you would see is an eyesore.

Thirdly, has Mr Phillips considered the pollution and sewage this island might create?

While his guests might swim in tropical coral lagoons, the sewage, although treated, would be pumped into the sea, so we would be swimming from our beaches in that sewage. Charming.

Lastly, I was touched by his concern for building "affordable housing". What does he mean by "affordable". Anything less than £300,000? And he says it would be wonderful for less well-off families to come to his island for holidays. Who does he think he is kidding?

Like a similar project in Dubai, this island is intended as a plaything for the rich. Less well-off families would not even be able to afford the entrance fee.

If he really wants to be of use to the people of Brighton, he should design decent-sized, affordable homes and estates for law-abiding people that won't become crime-infested warrens.

That is what we need in Brighton, not more luxury properties that only cater for the rich and outsiders. First-time-buyers are being priced out of owning property in the city they are growing up in. Do something for the ordinary people, Mr Phillips, or don't they count any more?

The only benefit to me if this monument to the wealthy is ever built is, as I live inland, I won't have to look at it every day. I pity the people who live along King's Road.

-Stephen Price, Brighton