IN November last year, the City of York Council executive agreed to undertake public consultation over access in to the York Central site.

We were sceptical that previous developments would not bias a preferred option, but took the council at its word that this would be a balanced, meaningful process of community engagement.

Unfortunately, following the recent executive, we are not confident that this will be the case.

We are now told that the routes through Holgate Business Park - which would have less impact on communities - have been ruled out.

Ahead of consultation, City of York Council sold the five acre site within the park to Network Rail in order to facilitate its wishes to expand rail operations, a move that has directly compromised the viability of these access options.

This is further complicated by a contract which Network Rail holds until 2023, pushing deliverability beyond the funding window of 2021.

This only leaves options at Water End and Holgate Road. The impact on communities and green space will be permanent and potentially devastating decisions are being dictated by one of the York Central partner’s temporary needs.

We also learn from the executive that this consultation will be carried out, not by the council, but by the York Central Partnership itself.

What hope do we have that this process will be democratic?

Benjamin Hall, On behalf of the Friends of Holgate Community Garden, York