CITY of York Council’s planning committee has decided to give approval to the development of Germany Beck as a housing estate, despite it being on a flood plain and being of historical and environmental interest.

There are also genuine concerns over the additional traffic impact which this project will have locally and over the rest of York.

However, it is reassuring to know that Coun James Alexander and his team are playing true to form – listening to the concerns of local residents but with cotton wool in their ears.

Neil Raw, Oriel Grove, Clifton Without, York.