I was astounded to read in The Argus (August 24) that the Government intends to replace conservation officers employed by Brighton and Hove City Council to police all proposed changes to listed buildings.
In their place, developers are themselves to pay agents to look at their plans.
How on earth is the agent going to be impartial? “He who pays the piper calls the tune.”
This is worrying for Brighton and Hove, where we are very lucky to have many Grade I and Grade II-listed buildings.
They make our city a pleasant place to live and it’s in all our interests that they be protected by impartial, knowledgeable council staff.
Whatever next? Burglars allowed to choose their trial judge from amongst their mates? The mind boggles.
A Barnes, Furze Hill, Hove
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