At a public meeting about the Shoebury Garrison various questions and comments were made about the proposed landmark building, one in particular regarding who was on the panel of judges that awarded the proposed building the winning design.

Steven Kearney, from Southend Council's planning department, said that there was no involvement by the council.

We are now told that the then leader of Southend Council, Anna Waite, and Mr Kearney were on the panel of judges who awarded the winning design in the competition.

How can anyone possibly say that there is no conflict of interest? Of course there is!

These officials are not going to pick a design that does not stand a cat in hells chance of getting planning consent. By the fact they chose this over the others is, by their actions, declaring an interest.

Mr Kearney might not have a vote on the planning committee, but he advises the committee on planning matters and therefore has an influence. Anna Waite, being leader of the council, was in fact representing Southend Council.

This building is now blighted by their involvement. Why not let the public see the final seven designs and let them choose, or would that be too simple?

Paul Halley
Fremantle
Southend

...Architect Tony Ingram (Jan 23) says a 19-storey flat complex will not look out of place in Shoebury. Who is kidding who? It will stand out like a sore thumb, apart from the fact it looks awful.

If there are to be only four flats per floor, how much will this put the price up on each one?

Bob Johnson
Central Avenue
Hadleigh>/B>