I must respond to your headline "Tories are accused of hypocrisy over flats" (The Argus, November 22).

The actual facts of the matter are that The Hove Conservative Club submitted a planning application to alter and extend the premises to form six one-bedroom flats, three two-bedroom flats and refurbish the club premises on the ground and lower-ground floor.

This application was considered by the planning officers and as it did not meet existing planning requirements was turned down. It did not involve the demolition of any family-sized residential accommodation.

Although I am a life member of the club I was not aware of the application and believe the club officers acted in a proper manner.

I do, however, defend the right of the club (or for that matter any other resident in the country) to submit a planning application.

That is their legal right.

The hypocrisy in this case is purely political, with both Labour and the Liberal Democrats seeking to make political capital. The spokespersons for both parties are well aware that the Hove Conservative Club is not a direct part of the Conservative party and is not answerable to the Conservative group on Brighton and Hove City Council.

They are, however, subject (as is everybody else) to the council's planning requirements. The Conservative group will continue to improve these requirements.

-Councillor Garry Peltzer Dunn, Leader of the Opposition, Brighton and Hove City Council