First it was flattery. Now it appears developers are trying to use scare tactics (The Argus, April 8).

Their new sales pitch is to tell us Brighton is in some sort of competition with other cities and might well "lose the race" for survival if we don't accept their "bold" designs.

What they are not saying - but which is obvious - is that as far as they are concerned this city serves one purpose - a rich investment opportunity.

But what about those of us who live here? Do we really want to be "one of the most exciting destinations in Europe"?

Do we really want to overtake Blackpool?

How many tourists and day-trippers can our city accommodate before we get total pedestrian gridlock?

Are we supposed to stand idly by while our lovely and historic city is suddenly transformed into a giant, glitzy, money-making machine for the benefit of developers and their investors?

Many of us who oppose these projects are also deeply concerned with our future.

We are not opposed to development per se but insist it be prudent and in scale.

Any new development should not diminish the quality of life within the city as a whole, as this most certainly will do.

Also, we feel strongly that the city must be allowed to retain its essential character, which is a unique and priceless heritage.

Lastly, it might be wise to wait until "modern architecture" matures and can provide us with attractive and sensible buildings instead of vulgar and outrageous demonstrations of self-promotion.

-Stephen Silver, Hove