I WAS informed recently that the development control officer of the city's planning and sustainable development department had approved a two-storey extension to a semi-detached house which will extend to the boundary of the gap between the adjoining block of houses.

I had opposed the extension on the grounds that it could lead to "solid block" housing and negate the sound architectural ideas behind this inter-war private house development.

This project could now be the precursor to an eyesore development on an attractive site.

No consultations were made by the council's officers - who made the decision - with the 50 or so inhabitants of this part of Fifth Avenue.

This sort of action doesn't do much for the cause of vigorous local government.

A Radford,

Fifth Avenue,

Heworth,

York.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, September 15, 2004