THE comments of Gary Craig are extraordinarily erroneous coming from a university professor (Letters, October 21).

The application to rebuild York mosque has not been refused. It has been voluntarily withdrawn to enable technical issues to be addressed – primarily concerns over flood risk and security.

This is common in the planning system and does not represent a manifestation of prejudice against Muslim applicants.

Moreover, Islam has nothing to do with race – it is all about the mind and belief. It transcends ethnicity and welcomes all true believers, including white Anglo Saxons.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.