ONCE again, City of York Council is likely to make a decision to approve a planning application which will have a devastating effect on the city’s historic centre.

The proposals for a massive expansion of Monks Cross signal a reversal of the council’s longstanding strategy to accommodate major high-street names in the city centre. I and other small independent traders are appalled that these proposals have advanced as far as they have. Although York is holding its own in the fragile economic climate, it will take very little to reverse the trend.

Monks Cross and the city do not trade on a level playing field – out-of-town shopping developments have easier access and unlimited free parking. The Chamber of Commerce recently said York needed to accommodate new and large retailers, but could not afford to wait for these to come to the city.

This is wrong. We can accommodate large retailers within the city.

I recently visited Troyes, a beautiful and old city in France with many similarities to York. There, the ancient buildings accommodate all the usual high street names alongside small, independent retailers and without any damage to the fabric of the buildings or the essence of the city.

Trevor Fenwick Bubbles Toys, Gillygate, York.