IT seems like the University of Sussex are employing legal intimidation, rather than legal representation as a tool to get their expansion plans underway (Argus, July 17).

I believe that universities are good for an area’s local economy.

When I listen to residents’ complaints about noise and litter left by students, I am often left thinking that such generalisations are pointless.

Anyone can see that these issues can be caused by both student and non-student residents.

However, such a substantial development is unsustainable.

Since central government cut the subsidy to university towns to cover the shortfall in council tax, the cost of providing the public services they require falls to the non-student residents to cover.

At a time when services are stretched to the brink, such massive expansion plans could put huge stress on local government services.

Only if the university agrees to cover the cost of this tax break could this even be considered.

Even then, they would have to seriously consider how the infrastructure would be put in place, and with the consent of residents, whose opinions should be taken into account.

This isn’t a case of nimbyism.

Living alongside a transient population, often living away from home for the first time, will have a heavy impact on the area, and the quality of life for all residents.

Jack Spooner, Robertson Road, Brighton