Brighton and Hove City Council approved a development at the rear of Frimley Close, Woodingdean, in March 2002, despite vehement protests from local residents.

Now that the development is going ahead, our worst fears are being realised.

The developers are raising ground levels by more than two metres, which was not in the original plans, and - despite protestations from our councillor (Geoff Wells) and vehement protests from residents - no council officer is prepared to take action to stop this.

As a result, the new ground level within the development will be above our existing fences and supposed two-storey buildings will look like three-storey buildings from our properties, which will be totally out of character with the surrounding area which is comprised mainly of chalet bungalows.

Why bother having a planning committee at all?

Is no one prepared to stand up and be counted in the planning department?

-Colin Orchard, Woodingdean