We read in this week's papers that Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's department is considering adding a view to the value of a property.

We are amazed. For years, we have been told we have no right to a view, only a right to light.

But now, if a view adds to the value of a property - and therefore its place in the Council Tax banding - I would suggest Brighton and Hove City Council downgrades our property.

Even though there is an Act of Parliament to protect us, we have already lost half our original view at the marina.

If the proposed tower, which the council has since rejected, had been built, no one would have been able to see the harbour entrance any more, except, of course, a privileged few.

For many of us, the construction of the proposed tower between us and the sun would have meant a moving shadow - a sundial effect - would always have been there on sunny days.

This was not the purpose for which the marina was conceived and I urge the council to resist such developments in future.

-Pamela and Leslie Brickman, Marine Drive, Brighton