MICK Phythian of the York Natural Environment Trust (YNET) has misunderstood the Without Walls policy concerning a vision for York (March 26).

The policy of the Local Strategic Partnership, Without Walls, is to promote a debate about a future vision for York and engage as many people as possible in that debate over the coming months.

To stimulate discussion, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation commissioned the report to which Mick Phythian refers. The report, entitled A New Vision for York, represents six months' work between the authors, the consultancy firm URBED, and organisations, partnerships and citizens across York.

The report is intended to provoke debate and the YNET contribution to that debate is to be welcomed.

URBED (Urban and Economic Development Group) is a not-for-profit, independent research and consultancy firm specialising in urban regeneration, local economic development, sustainability and urban design and, as such, is well suited to produce such a report.

There is no suggestion in the report that York should grow like Leeds nor does the report propose Leeds as a model for York. What it does propose is that any growth should be sensitive to the environment of York and guided by two fundamental principles: those of "sustainability" and "accessibility".

On behalf of Without Walls, I would like to urge everyone with an interest in York's future to read the report or the report summary and respond to the questions it poses about York's future.

The summary report is available via the www.yorkwow.org.uk website. There is a link to the JRF website where the full report can be accessed. Alternatively write to me at the address below for a copy of the summary report.

Rory Barke,

Head of community planning and partnerships,

City of York Council,

2 Blake Street,

York, YO1 8QG.

Updated: 13:55 Saturday, March 29, 2003