As convener of Heritage Over Vandalism Actually (HOVA), which is opposed to the King Alfred skyscrapers, I have no mandate to make representations on its behalf concerning Arthur North's scheme for the restoration of the West Pier (The Argus, June 8), even though he is a founder member of the group.

However, I would like to offer my personal views. I am a former borough planning officer of Brighton who, in liaison with campaigner John Lloyd of the former West Pier Society, was involved in attempts to restore the pier to its former glory after its closure in 1975.

I supported a scheme put forward by the developer of the successful Sun Centre in Rhyl, North Wales.

However, the then borough council was advised by financial experts that the developer was unlikely to have the necessary finance available. Since retiring in 1983, I have realised no developer is likely to have the necessary funds for a full-scale restoration.

Despite the commendable efforts of the West Pier Trust, this became a near certainty after the devastating storm and fire damage of recent years.

I consider, therefore, that Mr North's eco-friendly, solar-powered "Peace Pier" deserves full consideration by English Heritage and the other agencies involved. It offers historical continuity in that the skeleton of the old structure would be retained and it would be a leisure facility where peace and quiet would be paramount.

As such, it would complement rather than compete with the other pier so that hopefully the objections of the Noble Organisation would be allayed - perhaps they would even change the name back to the Palace Pier.

Let us only hope visitors to the Peace Pier would not have their westward view marred by a grotesque cluster of skyscrapers on the King Alfred site.

-Ken Fines, Hove