Tom McKenzie of Spark:York asks for the name of one developer who has not submitted a retrospective application (Verdict on Spark - first six months, November 16).

I have architectural files going back 40 years full of developers who did not lodge retrospective applications; together with a much smaller number of those who did.

However, this is immaterial. Two wrongs don’t make a right and what may or may not have been done by others on other sites does not excuse the conduct of Spark at Piccadilly.

The underlying issue is not whether an application was prior or subsequent to development but whether the development is acceptable in planning terms.

There is no doubt the Spark complex is causing serious harm to the conservation area. It breaches many important national and local planning policies. It is wholly inappropriate, entirely out of keeping and should never have been allowed, even on a temporary basis.

So why was it? How is it that Spark not only got approval but also got taxpayers’ money to subsidise their business?

There needs to be a full independent investigation into exactly what has happened, going right back to that extraordinary rush to have the original garage building pulled down on dubious grounds of structural safety.

Matthew Laverack,

Lord Mayors Walk, York

Spark:York pushing their luck on rules

Spark:York director Tom McKenzie says ‘We are not rule breakers’ with a chutzpah akin to that of the little boy who urinates through a letter box and then knocks on the door to ask how far inside his pee reached.

Putting aside the undeniable contraventions of planning, building regulations and disability legislation, there is the little matter of multiple breaches of their lease resulting in a formal warning Notice of Forfeiture issued by their council landlords on October 24, 2018.

The credibility of Spark:York is not helped when they make statements which are so obviously ridiculous.

John Jones,

Sand Hutton, York

Why is no action taken over Spark?

WHAT is the point of City of York Council planning department, when Spark:York show blatant disregard for the planning laws, and no action is taken against them? Will the three year ‘temporary’ arrangement be ignored as well?

Keith Thornton,

De Grey Place,

Bishopthorpe, York