Contrary to the impression given (The Argus, March 26), I do not support the building of as many as 400 homes on the King Alfred site.

That is a mad figure for the size of the site and, unfortunately, has only resulted in skewing the debate.

I do, however, support the principle of some affordable housing on the site for two reasons.

Firstly, it would provide a way of funding a new King Alfred sports centre and swimming pool. Housing has advantages over the more commercial enabling alternatives.

It will not generate the visitor numbers and traffic pressures of commercial leisure options such as casinos, night clubs, restaurants, bars and cinemas.

Secondly, it will provide many new affordable homes for local people, especially young families and the increasing number of single people needing a place to live.

There has been a lot of focus on how such key workers as teachers and nurses cannot afford to live in the South East.

But in Hove it is becoming virtually impossible for workers of any kind to buy or rent.

As ever, the easy option has been taken by the Tories and Lib-Dems, who have provided knee-jerk opposition.

They even want to gag Hove residents by opposing going to consultation.

We should at least give the proposals a chance by allowing people in Hove to have their say.

-Coun Simon Battle, Vallance ward councillor, Landseer Road, Hove