SOME time ago I wrote to express my horror at the idea of John Harper’s magnificent St Leonard’s crescent being converted into a “boutique” hotel. This could not possibly have been done without a complete subversion of Harper’s original intentions. I received no support whatsoever.

Now I read that those who supported this architectural desecration are now expressing their delight at the latest proposal to laggardly respect the work of one of York’s finest architects (The Press, August 20). A notable example of the adaptability of aesthetics to expediency.

I hope the realisation fulfils the promise, though with so many civic navigators shamelessly drifting with the tide, I feel we could end up anywhere.

William Dixon Smith, Welland Rise, Acomb, York.