NOW that the consultation period on Coppergate II has ended the Tourism Bureau, the Natural Environmental Panel, the Civic Trust, the Chamber Of Commerce, and 82 per cent of informed residents have expressed opposition to the scheme as drawn.

So it is hoped that the planning officers will not recommend 'approval' to members of the Planning Committee.

This would allow an alternative scheme for Piccadilly to be brought before planners early in the new year by either Land Securities or another Piccadilly landowner.

Such a scheme could incorporate an open space around Clifford's Tower and a mixed development of Piccadilly to include much-needed residential, offices, and some additional retail space near to Coppergate I.

This should then enjoy the support of most people.

Much has changed in the retail sector over recent years including the advent of e-commerce, huge additional floor space at Monks Cross and Naburn and the imploding of large parts of the retail sector.

This means that quality not quantity should be the criteria for York going forward. The open space around Clifford's Tower could be financed by an application for Lottery funding (this could be one of the most splendid locations in northern Europe), increased rateable income from Piccadilly, revenue from the replacement car park on Piccadilly and revenue from the existing Castle car park up to its closure.

The result would be a balanced strengthening of our city with something for everybody.

A M Sinclair,

Chairman,

Retail Committee,

Chamber of Commerce,

York.