ONE OF the assumptions on which the local development framework is based is that York must plan for growth. This is a reflection of a national political consensus that ‘growth’ is the answer to all the problems society is facing.

By ‘growth’ politicians mean growth in commerce, since, as a result of government policy over decades, the service sector accounts for 75 per cent of the British economy. No evidence is ever given that such growth benefits the ordinary citizen. It certainly does not reduce unemployment.

York could benefit from a new sports stadium, but it seems this can only happen if it accepts more retail outlets, which it does not need. Change in our city it seems is to be decided by national or global companies on the basis of their corporate expansion policy, not on the needs of York citizens. York needs locally generated dynamic change. It needs to replace the affordable housing lost by the sale of council housing. It does not need growth to satisfy some central government economic target, or to suit the expansion plans of remote financiers and corporations.

It would be useful to be told why York must grow and who is calling for it.

Maurice Vassie, Deighton, York.

• IT IS a pity so many business leaders in the centre of York are opposed to the expansion of Monks Cross. They should welcome it.

York’s central area will never be able to offer equivalent shopping opportunities to those in out-of-town developments. If Monks Cross is not allowed to expand, shoppers will not flock back to the city centre: they will drive to competing out-of-town developments, taking their money with them.

York’s Labour council knows that businesses in the city centre will thrive only if the local economy grows. The Monks Cross expansion could add more than £50 million to the local economy, and create 1,400 to 1,600 new jobs. Now that the country is back to Tory levels of unemployment, and retail demand is falling, we cannot allow these opportunities to be missed.

Colin S Hall, Tower Place, Tower Street, York.

• I AM delighted the conversation has at last focused on the provision of the new community stadium for York. Both sets of supporters (York City and York City Knights) have had shabby treatment with little to inspire either side from the stance of the council, whoever has been in power.

A few questions need to be answered. The Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster was viewed as a typical new development for professional sport and the local community. However, all is not rosy at this arena as apparently it is the developers who benefit from the bar-take. From the Knights’ point of view, the income from match-day bar sales is a significant part of the club’s finances.

Both clubs need income and spectators do not necessarily know who profits from their match-day pints; clubs should profit in equal measure from such income.

As for current and future shopping patterns, I must say that one thing likely to keep shoppers away is that car parking is slowly being eked away by profit-seeking councils.

To spend four or five pounds to park in the city centre, or worse still catch a bus with poor time keeping, can make Monks Cross, McArthur Glen and Clifton Moor seem less hassle.

Jim Dawes, Low Catton, Stamford Bridge.