I ATTENDED the Bryant Homes' presentation on its proposed development for the Skeldergate car park.

While I support the development of the site for mainly residential use, with some shopping, the development as proposed is too massive and out of keeping with the urban village atmosphere of Bishophill.

The tall buildings fronting Skeldergate will cause an unpleasant "canyon effect" on passing pedestrians.

Mr Orrell, of the architects DLA, made one revealing comment in questions that a less intensive development "is not viable". This is nonsense.

Developers and architects will build whatever they are permitted, provided the new is more profitable than the existing use.

Can't an alternative scheme on the lines of Aldwark be prepared?

Hugh Milne,

Tuke House, Cromwell Road, York.

...WE wish to object to the proposal for the development of the NCP car park site in Skeldergate, York. We are disappointed that the scale of the proposed development is out of proportion in relation to the surrounding property and the nature of the city as a whole.

The height of the development will rise above that of the waterfront developments and will completely dwarf the intimate buildings of Buckingham Street and others nearby.

Most of the houses in Bishophill have doors that look on to the street. The proposed development does not. We are facing an inward-looking development, yet Bishophill is a real community.

Most of us walk to and from the city and feel safe doing so. This particular stretch of Skeldergate and Fetter Lane will feel more like a large inner city if this development goes ahead.

The materials proposed do not appear to be in keeping with those in the surrounding conservation area.

We ask that the council's planning committee does not now erode all that has been achieved in Bishophill. It should refuse this proposal tomorrow and ask the developers to give York buildings worthy of the city.

John and Mary Grange,

Newton Terrace,

Bishophill, York.

Updated: 10:53 Wednesday, March 27, 2002