IT WAS interesting to read in The Press of February 6 that Coun James Alexander was backing government plans for a smoother planning process for major developments, and “that legal challenges one after the other must end”.

He should understand that the judicial review process exists so that public authorities can be called to account if they make unlawful or irrational decisions and long may that process continue.

It is also particularly rich to read his plea “to work in partnership” when City of York Council has so consistently ignored the concerns of Fulford Parish Council regarding the Germany Beck scheme.

Despite the façade of consultation, York has failed to listen to the Fulford community and promotes major developments without basic safeguards against adverse environmental impacts.

It is regrettable that parish councils must resort to legal proceedings but there is no other option when communities are so badly served by the planning system in York. Instead of criticising judicial challenges, perhaps he should ask himself why communities feel so let down that court action is necessary.

Alan Smith, Chair of Fulford Parish Council, Fordlands Road, Fulford, York.