THE thorny issue of York's Green Belt is up for debate. That is only right.

Every resident has a stake in how our city develops, and the more people who can be involved in the planning process, the better.

It is time we reassessed the role of the Green Belt. This strategic planning tool was introduced in 1938: much has changed in York since then.

Today, the pressure for housing and economic development in the city is huge, and only so much can be absorbed by recycling brownfield sites.

The Green Belt conjures images of rolling, tree-lined countryside. But some of this land is featureless, even unsightly, and never used for recreation.

What the City of York Council must determine is which land we can sacrifice, and which is sacrosanct.

It can only make an informed decision with your input.

Updated: 10:22 Wednesday, February 27, 2002