How unfortunate that Mark Barrowcliffe has condemned developments on Brighton and Hove’s “green outskirts” when the details of the proposals are as yet unknown (Letters, September 19).

Although not identified in his letter, I assume he is referring to Toads Hole Valley, since this is the only “green outskirt” to be included for development in the draft City Plan.

His criticism of the 700 potential homes as being “grim shoebox housing” and a “depressing eyesore” can’t be based on facts as there are no design details other than that the houses will be built to the highest sustainable standards.

Similarly his point that they will “only be practically reached by car” is also guesswork – the outline vision document shows a site specifically designed to include a bus loop, a car club and the wholesale elimination of traffic from King George VI Avenue.

His recommendation that inner-city brownfield sites should be developed first is also wide of the mark. Even with all the brownfield sites allocated for housing and Toads Hole Valley thrown into the mix, the city would still be more than 7,000 homes short of demand over the next 20 years.

It is ironic that he uses Toads Hole Valley as an example of the current administration being less than “green”. Supplying much-needed homes (40% affordable) with good environmental credentials sounds not only green but very much what people expect their council to deliver – especially the 12,000 people on the housing waiting list.

Tony Mernagh, executive director, Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership