IT is a sad indictment of the planning regime in York when British Sugar deem it necessary to lodge an appeal for non-determination (The Press, August 17).

This is not an isolated incident. As an architect and the proprietor of a plan copying business, I speak to many users of the so-called planning “service” in York. They all have tales of woe.

Little wonder that many developers avoid this city like the plague.

The adoption of a Local Plan is not going to make the slightest difference to inward investment unless there is a fundamental change in attitudes at the planning department - sorry, development control service.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York