Contrary to your report that planners had praised the modern design of a planned block of flats in Palmera Avenue, Hove (The Argus, August 18), there were councillors on this committee who did not approve.

I am not in favour of bland glazed and concrete box type buildings which I consider this to be.

Preference must be given to buildings which are relieved with gables, a good style of balcony and other features of interest.

I understand the original application submitted for this site was a colonial type building which, with some adjustments, would have been a feature building and would definitely have added value to the street scene.

However, the planning department requested the client to go away and return with a modern design.

I asked the planning officers firstly, why I as an elected councillor had been denied the opportunity to debate the first application and, secondly, to respectfully remind the planning department the change in the composition of the committee following the May elections.

New members are not prepared to "rubber stamp" applications.

Many of the new members of the planning committee feel as I do and are looking to approve a good quality design of building.

We must not continue to permit our city to be infilled with concrete boxes.

Elected councillors must have greater involvement during the early stages of the larger substantial applications and not allow the planning department to pre-select what is presented to the committee.

-Coun Lynda Hyde, Conservative member Rottingdean ward, Brighton and Hove City Council