COUN James Alexander has announced the former Airspeed factory in Piccadilly is likely to become a “four-star hotel with business conferencing facilities” (The Press, November 28).

By making this announcement now, Coun Alexander effectively pre-empts further discussion about the future of the building.

Where does this leave the Air Museum’s popular proposal of a museum commemorating an unlikely piece of York history?

The building is a nomination on the Local List because of its associations with early aircraft manufacture and Neville Shute Norway, which means that when the List is adopted, the character and significance of the building will become material considerations in planning decisions taken about its future.

Since it is evident its character and significance will not lend themselves to a future as a hotel and conference centre, the inescapable conclusion is that it will be demolished and a new building erected in its place.

The director of the Elvington Museum has said their bid for the site has been overwhelmed by public support. This looks like another example of Cllr Alexander’s cavalier disregard for public opinion to me, and anyone who supports the Airspeed museum scheme is urged to say so now.

Alison Sinclair, Norfolk Street, York.