YOU report that the C B Hillier Parker's analysis of future shopping trends in York supports the concept of a major retail development on the Castle and Piccadilly sites (November 16).

Land Securities' latest proposals are for a development 18 per cent larger than their original scheme, which would provide one fifth more shopping area than the whole of the existing retail space in the city centre.

The city has survived the impact of Clifton Moor, then Monk's Cross and finally the Naburn complex. It is wishful thinking to imagine that this additional development could be implemented without serious effect on the existing retail structure. We have examined in detail this report and the two others concerned with the Coppergate proposals. We have serious reservations about them and shall be telling the council so.

Phillip Crowe,

Chair, York Tomorrow,

Stonegate,

York.