I refer to your headline story regarding the North Selby Mine (Selby mine site battle, September 29).

Thirty-five years ago, the people in this rural area lying between York and Selby had five 65-acre industrial sites imposed on them in locations that would only have been allowed in exceptional circumstances.

The inspector in his report after an expensive public inquiry explained it was in the national interest to allow the development to go forward.

To meet local concerns, he imposed many stringent conditions, one of which was that the sites should be returned to some form of agricultural use when mining finished.

Why have UK Coal been allowed to drive a coach and horses through such an important planning issue?

The position of the North Selby site ticks no boxes in terms of sustainability.

It is long past the time City of York Council delivered on its obligations.

David Ashton, Escrick, York.