IT IS disappointing that local councillors weren't brave enough to vote against the plans for an ugly office block in the North Laine area (Argus, July 12).

The owner of that site on the corner of Church Street and Portland Street had previously submitted plans that had contained some housing provision and these had been accepted by the council.

Now it seems that some councillors don't think that the issue of affordable housing is important enough and would prefer to see offices on this site.

There is a shortage of affordable homes in this city and this central mainly residential area would be a good location for some of them.

North Laine is also a Conservation Area and we should surely expect more from the developers, who were able to offer more when plans were

approved for the site in 1993 and 2011.

Comparing the proposed office development with what is currently there, as one Conservative councillor did, is not a justification for it and just lazy thinking.

There are new offices nearby in the New England area, the Edward Street quarter and elsewhere as part of current developments so do we really need more of them, especially since there is a general trend away from traditional offices?

As for arguments about creating jobs, the projections seem quite "speculative" and jobs are also created with the provision of housing, including construction, fitting, maintenance and support.

There might be a "green roof" but presumably that could mean that moss, weeds or plants growing from seeds in bird droppings might be regarded

as "green".

Actual housing with some gardens is surely of more benefit to people and the wider community.

Once again, the "Green" councillors say one thing then do another and fail to oppose the plans for more offices here.

This office block isn't what most of the local community want on this large site and it isn't what the city needs - we need more affordable housing and that is what the Government Inspector stated in her assessment of the draft city plan.

Let's look at other options for this site, including housing association provision, council homes or the Community Land Trust.

It is surely better to have community-based housing rather than a half-empty office block.

Rob Heale

Chatham Place

Brighton