The people behind the plans to redevelop the West Pier obviously don't live in Brighton, otherwise they would know it would be ridiculous to build a shopping centre on the seafront.

I could not believe it when I saw the scale model of the redevelopment of the West Pier. On either side of the pier is planned an enormous building which will be split into units to be rented out - in other words, a shopping centre. Not only is it hideous and will spoil the naturally beautiful views of the sea but also, if built, will quickly turn into a white elephant.

When the weather is good, people go to the beach to be outside, not to go shopping. When the weather is bad, people stay indoors or go into town, they do not go down to the sea.

The developers say the restoration of the West Pier will be unprofitable without these buildings. I think they will find it is not the West Pier that will be unprofitable but the beachfront buildings.

Just for a change, why can't a beautiful old building be restored for its own sake and not for the sake of a property developer's profit?

-Rebecca Shtasel, Western Street, Brighton