LORD Best says that the decision to chose the planner PRP for New Osbaldwick was unanimous (Letters, December 19). I understand from Tom Hughes, who is the Meadlands area representative on the consultative panel, that this was not so.

Yes, there were four members from City of York Council, four from Joseph Rowntree Foundation and four others at this meeting, but only two of the latter four were closely associated with the neighbouring communities.

The decision was not unanimous and no vote was taken at the meeting. To say that "local residents constructively participated" is far from true and it seems that the decision to appoint PRP as the preferred planner was the choice of the council and the foundation.

Lord Best also refers to opposition from the Meadlands Area "to any development". We are not anti-development, but we have the right to look after the interest of our local community and to express our views and concerns when necessary.

The Meadlands Area Residents' Association was active from the early stages of the consultative process, and were, and still are, prepared to challenge decisions through the various meetings and so forth.

We are obviously considered to be a stumbling-block and therefore open to criticism and regarded as obstructive.

Listening to those of us who are already here should be very important to those making the decisions.

From items reported in the Evening Press, other residents on the periphery of the new development are now also realising the impact that this project will have on their lives.

L C Butler,

Russet Drive,

Meadlands, York.

Updated: 09:35 Monday, December 29, 2003