I am disappointed Peter Poole resorts to personal abuse when writing about the planning committee meeting to consider the Brighton station site development (Letters, December 19).

As chairman of the meeting, it was my duty to ensure the business of the meeting was conducted efficiently within the time allotted, while allowing all interested parties an opportunity to speak.

At the beginning, I asked everyone present to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Despite this, there was much heckling of speakers and, on a number of occasions, I was forced to remind the meeting that disruption could not be allowed.

It was precisely because I was anxious to allow everyone present to hear the proceedings that I made these comments.

As I made it clear at the meeting, my duty was to ensure the business ran smoothly. There was no "air of suspicion" and I clarified my meaning for a second time to ensure all present understood.

-Coun Bob Carden, Acting Chairman of Planning, Brighton and Hove City Council