We are glad Tom French and the Labour Party share our concerns about the Lewes Road Community Gardens (Letters, June 25). As he has become involved rather late in the day in this sad affair we are happy to explain to him exactly what has happened.

In 2008 councillors were informed of a planning application for the site. No objections were made by the immediate neighbours of the site who were consulted as part of the process. The Triangle Community, however, did lodge an objection and planning officers indicated they would refuse the application on grounds of scale and air quality.

The developers then opened negotiations with the planning officers. As this was now an amended application, ward councillors were not notified about the negotiations or subsequent re-consultation with neighbours. Unfortunately, this is normal practice. Officers granted permission after the garden was opened. Again councillors were not told about the decision, which is entirely normal. Only after that did Tesco’s interest in the site become apparent.

In May last year the site was occupied by Guerrilla Gardeners and we became involved in supporting their cause. Subsequently we launched an online campaign where residents can pledge to boycott any store opened by Tesco in Lewes Road.

Following questions from residents, Caroline Lucas MP has queried the probity of the planning decision and also urged Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to take action over the spread of supermarkets.

Last week we were approached by Tesco, concerned by the adverse publicity and the number of angry letters they are receiving from local residents. This encourages us to keep on campaigning. Let’s work together to keep the Lewes Road a Tesco-free zone and save the Community Garden. Meanwhile, please sign the boycott on www.brightonhovegreens.org/ localsites/bh/campaigns/ pledges.htm Concerned residents may also wish to contact Terry Leahy (terry.leahy@uk.tesco. com), the CEO of Tesco, to let him know what they think about his plans for Lewes Road.

Ian Davey and Pete West
Green Party Councillors for St Peters and North Laine Ward
Brighton and Hove City Council