THE fiasco that is the spectacular non-development of the decaying Tropicana continues but we seem no closer to a publicly acceptable resolution, yet if we look around Weston we can see developers quietly moving on with some perfectly good developments.

THE fiasco that is the spectacular non-development of the decaying Tropicana continues but we seem no closer to a publicly acceptable resolution, yet if we look around Weston we can see developers quietly moving on with some perfectly good developments. Knightstone Island seems to be well on its way although I do question how the massive changes it causes to the skyline passed planning procedures unlike the development of the RBL building opposite the Tropicana, two developments both of excellent design in keeping with neighbouring buildings that will stand for 100 years. The latest design of the Tropicana seems to draw on 60s Dolphin Square with a mix of ultra modern glass and a 30s annex, yet we want to pull down Dolphin Square (no argument from me). Will we want to pull down the new Tropicana in 30 years? Take a trip down Weston seafront and anyone can see the worst of the developments, which stand out from the grand old buildings. Some new buildings look a little tired and some are a mess, while many of the older buildings have been totally renovated and sympathetically extended very successfully, with others being worked on now. I still advocate renovating and using the existing Tropicana buildings as the basis of a development and I think that is what the majority would like. Let Old Boot and Co have a bit of Dolphin Square to play with but leave the front with some real character, not a 30-year disposable unit. PAUL BURNS - Sunnyside Road, Weston