I protested at Hove Town Hall against the proposal for planning permission by the Sea Life Centre for two tanks, covered by a thin fabric roof, to house seals and otters.

This is in the busiest, noisiest, most polluted area of Brighton. I am devastated this planning permission has been granted.

The committee was equally split so chairman Les Hamilton sealed these animals' fates with his casting vote and the words "let's go for it".

The area outside the Sea Life Centre, which is currently a cafe, and the steep steps leading down into the building is about the worst location imaginable to consider cramming live animals into for the profit of this company.

Animal welfare was not an issue. How could it have been when these creatures can be subjected to traffic noise, car horns, traffic pollution and firework displays, as well as drunks and revellers who could easily hurl cans and bottles into their enclosure?

One councillor even said "animal welfare should not be something we consider". This is appalling.

There is no doubt seals and otters in this unsuitable environment will be highly stressed and only the voice of Brighton and Hove and Sussex residents will determine its future.

The welfare of the seals and otters should be the most important issue here, not the least.

-Gemma Millwood, Saltdean