WE are disappointed that Coun Malcolm Kettlestring (Letters, July 29) takes a cynical view of the proposal made to Osbaldwick Parish Council that our respective environmental consultants should meet to discuss ways of providing an improved habitat for Great Crested Newts as part of the proposed "model" community at Derwenthorpe.

Far from being "frustrated", as he suggests, we are determined to create and maintain an environment for this protected species that is better, and more sustainable, than the dried-up pond near the place where two females appeared in May.

We urge Barry Potter (Letters, August 2 and yesterday) to consider the facts of our plans for the newts and their habitat, rather than repeating what he admits are only rumours about our intentions.

Although he and other implacable opponents of the development may have difficulty accepting our good intentions, we are more than happy to rely on the views of English Nature and the City of York's own ecologist.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation wants to improve the environment for newts on the Derwenthorpe site and it also remains enthusiastic about playing its part in easing York's housing shortages by creating a mixed-tenure community in which the city can take pride.

JRF's commitment to long-term investment in the communities it serves as a housing provider is a matter of record. We have consulted extensively about the development and remain very happy for our proposals to undergo all appropriate scrutiny.

Nigel Ingram,

Director of Development & Property Services,

Joseph Rowntree Foundation,

The Homestead,

Water End, York.

Updated: 11:56 Friday, August 13, 2004