IT IS important to correct something in your report on the Draft Local Plan (The Press, September 13).

The previous local plan, the local development framework (LDF), was not abandoned in 2012 after changes in national planning rules.

It was abandoned because City of York Council approved the Monks Cross retail and stadium proposals in direct contravention of its own LDF document, which was in the process of being examined by the Planning Inspectorate.

The appointed inspector, Mr David Vickery, sent a scathing letter to the council pointing out this was unacceptable and asking what the council proposed to do about it (The Press, April 24, 2012). This is why there has been enormous delay in the process of securing an approved planning document for this city.

Changes to national planning guidance had nothing to do with it. This is an excuse put out by those responsible for the wasted costs and lack of progress so far.

Matthew Laverack, Architect of this parish, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.