AS someone who has criticised opposition to residential developments in York in the past, it would be hypocritical of me to speak out against plans to turn the Bedford Hotel into flats.

Even though I live next door to it, I am not opposed in principle to the conversion. I don't like the idea of a three-storey extension, though - it would block out a lot of our light and invade much of our privacy, especially in the garden.

Rather, we need to consider a broader question: the balance of accommodation needs between tourists and residents, all of whom are vital to York's economy and culture.

But I totally support the conversion of the existing building into flats. If the long-awaited house market crash comes soon, I may even be able to buy one!

The biggest house price inflation in recent years has been in "starter" flats and small houses of the sort I cannot afford to buy, despite earning an above-average salary.

Therefore, any measures to increase the supply should generally be encouraged and promoted, especially converting former industrial and service sector buildings (e.g. clapped out old cinemas) to residential use.

If this were done and the NIMBY brigade ('not in my backyard', most of whom are owner-occupiers) were not allowed to exert so much influence over the planning process, we would not be in a situation whereby a management company is trying to close down a hotel, thereby decreasing the stock of available tourist accommodation to cash in on a runaway housing boom.

Leo Enticknap,

Ingram House,

Bootham, York.

...AS the managers of the Bedford Hotel, Bootham, we are writing to assure our loyal staff that they will still have a job in the autumn, contrary to the article written by Alex Lloyd (May 22).

Since taking over the hotel in November we have always been open about the plans of Ascot Developments to apply for planning permission.

In times of economic uncertainty it would seem unwise not to explore all avenues when businesses are being encouraged to diversify their resources, and this is what we are doing.

We would also like to assure all our regular diners, and neighbouring guest house proprietors who have continued to support our restaurant by recommending us, that we will continue to welcome them and their guests and that it is "business as usual".

However, you will be disappointed if you come for a Scarborough Jazz evening because this obviously takes place at another hotel and not ours!

Maria and Andrew Limbert,

Managers of the Bedford Hotel,

Bootham,

York.

Updated: 10:24 Tuesday, May 25, 2004