THE concerns raised by Coun Vassie about the recent planning application on Elvington Airfield are confusing and, I suspect, a smokescreen to deflect attention away from Liberal Democrat policy (October 11).

Quite clearly when this matter came before the planning committee the planning officers recommended refusal, not on the grounds of a vague application but on the grounds that such a development would go against the council's green belt policy.

It was his own Liberal Democrat leader who requested deferral for further information with the words "I do not feel we should refuse the application" (September 26) - not much caution there.

Following the comments of the council leader it is clear that Elvington airfield under this council will ultimately become much more active than it is at present.

So, Coun Vassie, take this up with your political master and be done with double-speak while being honest with your electors.

John Galvin,

Conservative candidate, Wheldrake Ward,

Bridge Road,

Bishopthorpe, York.

Updated: 12:05 Friday, October 24, 2003