In response to the comment by David Spear (Letters, September 21), of course the "towers 'yes' vote was purely political".

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's housing policy for the South-East is the reason why the renewal of the low-lying Hove seashore and the King Alfred community leisure centre has turned into a massive twin-tower housing leisure annex, with speculative development out of all proportion compared to Hove's overloaded public amenities and utilities.

The Labour group on the Brighton and Hove City Council voted in favour of the 754 dwellings, which will probably become more than 1,000 dwellings at the final planning stage.

Whereas the Conservative group voted against and with the support of the majority of Hove residents.

The Greens dithered.

But, in the long-term, why worry?

Whatever happens, the sea and global warming will remain the most influential architect to reshape the low-lying seashore on Hove seafront.

-John Stanaway, Hove