There has much emotive talk about some of the largescale developments being considered for Brighton and Hove but unfortunately the arguments over the alternatives have not, as yet, benefited from in-depth research and independent analysis.

The English Tourism Council has no axe to grind in relation to the decisions on Black Rock currently before the planning committee.

Its authoritative report Health Benefits - The Market Opportunities for Health Tourism in England claims that spa tourism, currently worth £1.4 billion to the UK economy, is still at a relatively early stage of development and has the potential to double in the next few years.

The report notes that although spa tourism in Britain has been growing at 7 per cent annually, three quarters of the spend still goes abroad.

Such facilities can clearly have a positive impact on local economies, with spa customers spending an average 66 per cent more than on other types of tourism.

The report also dispels any suggestion of exclusivity by stating that the sector "is broadening its appeal to be more mass market".

-Professor Howard Rush, Brighton