I appeal to Shoreham Beach residents and indeed anyone who cares about our unique peninsular.

While I accept the need for change, there is nothing subtle or tasteful about some of the beach dwellings in this area, which are being overdeveloped.

I’m pretty sure the vast majority of residents oppose the replacement of one dwelling with two on frequently very small plots.

Bungalows in particular seem to be victims of the developer; these pretty, characterful and charming dwellings which gave Shoreham Beach the nickname “Bungalow Town” are giving rise to three-storey, flat-roofed square blocks.

Our light and privacy is being compromised.

It has been pointed out to me that some of the bungalows are “past their sell-by date”. Several are in a sorry state but there are many more in excellent decorative order.

I visited an elderly neighbour recently who tearfully told me she has “lost her sky”. Needless to say, she lives in a bungalow as she is unable to climb stairs owing to a disability.

There is also concern about a lack of infrastructure in the face of overdevelopment. Our school is over-subscribed, there are access problems for cars and drainage problems in a flood-risk area.

There needs to be an acceptable development plan retaining the pattern of our history.

This is important, particularly when so much planning is underway, which, if brought to fruition, could change the character of Shoreham Beach.

I understand that we need to provide a “characterisation study” of Shoreham Beach to present to the local council’s planning committee, giving it a model for the development of the area in accordance with the wishes of its residents.

The process involves obtaining as many signatures as possible so residents’ wishes can be made clear. Petitions can be found at the Post Office in Ferry Road or a number of venues in Shoreham. Alternatively, visit www.avaaz.org/en/petition/ Save_Shoreham_Beach_from_overdevelopment.

Maggie Taylor, The Meadway, Shoreham