REGULAR contributor Matthew Laverack signs himself off, ‘Architect of this Parish’. Of course, one’s tempted to ask which parish? Clearly not a rural parish.

If it was, he would not make uninformed comments in support of landowners of prime green belt agricultural sites cashing-in on proposals in the draft Local Plan to the tune of half-a-billion pounds (The Press, October 6).

What Matthew has failed to grasp is that the livelihoods of tenant farmers are under threat and at stake is our daily bread.

He’s usually arguing against over-development of sites, and would do well to stick to that. Over-provision is at the heart of York’s misguided draft Local Plan. If it comes to fruition, the green belt will be invaded, rural villages will be swamped and York’ rural landscape will be blighted by urban sprawl.

Why do we need to grow York by 25 per cent of its population to 240,000 inhabitants by 2030? Why do we need another 20,000 extra homes? Why do we need to destroy green belt and the livelihoods of many?

The Local Plan in its present form is unsound and publicly unpopular. It needs radical modification before it sees the light of day again.

Allan Charlesworth, Resident of the parish of Earswick.