THE future of Oliver House presents an opportunity for York’s Labour administration to make a real – and symbolic – imprint on the future of housing.

In the evaluation of the 23 proposals, the Yorspace proposal of low-cost social housing scores highest on its contribution to local amenities as well as provision of affordable housing.

Of course, there are higher offers. However, York Labour party has decent, affordable housing as a central campaign message. So surely this proposal represents a prime opportunity of exploring an inclusive and sustainable way to build low-cost housing.

The alternative is to sell to one of the highest bidders; if so, it must be regarded as part of a process of state-led gentrification in which York’s poorest residents are decanted to outlying towns, a process exacerbated by welfare and housing reform. It will send a message that York caters for a more affluent population; we should also not fool ourselves that gentrification causes harm, whether in the removal of family and support networks, jobs, childcare, education or affordable transport.

So I hope Dafydd Williams resists those calls – after all, who has “the right to the city?” Is it York’s residents or developers seeking to accumulate profit for shareholders?

Richard Bridge, Holgate Road, York.