AS THE Conservative Group’s spokesperson on planning, I would like to add my voice to those expressing disappointment at the decision by the planning committee to turn down Brighton and Hove Albion’s application to build a new hotel and cancer treatment facility next to the Amex Stadium.

This facility would have been a real boost to the local economy, creating a significant number of employment opportunities for people in the east Brighton area.

This investment in our city would also have resulted in the retention of increased business rates and would have helped to sustain the finances of the Albion as they continue their push for promotion to the Premier League.

Concerns were raised at the planning committee meeting about the design of the hotel yet the architects are the same as those who drew up the plans for the wonderful stadium of which we are all so proud.

And as I said at the meeting, I felt that the design would complement the stadium very well.

I hope that the council will now work proactively with the football club to find a way through this impasse because ultimately, this is a development that the vast majority of people want to see happen for the good of the city.

Cllr Carol Theobald, Conservative Group Planning spokesperson, Brighton and Hove City Council