I moved to Brighton seven years ago and I am still as in love with this magical place as I was then.

I feel that the people of Brighton have a special quality that is hard to find anywhere else: a wonderful acceptance of nationalities, religions and, until the King Alfred debate I thought, architecture.

How is it possible that a city which celebrates its diversity to such a degree is even contemplating not allowing the Frank Gehry development to go ahead?

What type of council cannot see that a new sports and swimming centre for our children is a good thing? And what kind of people can decide that 276 affordable homes for the less fortunate residents of our city is not something to push for?

OK, the architecture may not be to everyone's taste. I doubt the Pavilion was in its day, but look at it now - a constant source of muchneeded tourism to our city.

Change is important and pushing the boundaries of what we feel comfortable with is necessary for our development.

The King Alfred structure will provide thousands of new jobs for the city. It is also environmentally friendly, from the choice of building materials to the swimming pool water (which is to be recycled and used to flush toilets and wash down sports areas).

Is this not a great example of how to live?

Phoebe Heneage
Harrington Villas,
Brighton