HAVING just read the headline that Westquay owners see profits slump (Daily Echo, July 25) I begin to doubt the wisdom of creating further retail developments in the area as proposed in the plans for the adjacent Royal Pier Waterfront scheme

The plans for this development are still outstanding (ref: 15/01752/OUT) and I note that a representative for Hammerson raised an objection while in the construction stages of Westquay stage two concerning the additional 13,000sqft of retail space provided in the Royal Pier Waterfront plans. Phase one of the development was due to start in October 2016 with demolition of the old pier by December 2017.

Southampton council is under pressure to clean up the air pollution we currently suffer and try to encourage the use of public transport and cycling. This is all well and good but large city centre developments such as this scheme will only attract more vehicles into the city.

No doubt the developers are keen to proceed but at what cost to retail units in Westquay and others in the High Street?

During early stages of this development, much comment was made in the press on whether we should have a Spitfire monument in the new park but I would suggest a 'White Elephant' might be a better choice.

CHRIS HINDS

Regents Park