I AM pleased to see the planning application for the proposed flats in Bootham has gone to a public inquiry. Perhaps at least here the objections of residents will be given a fair hearing.

There are still many more contentious over-developments that do get through the planning process in Greater York which cause great concern to residents.

Developers are spurred on by ever -increasing house prices which reap them greater and greater profits.

They are supported by Government policy and those dreaded targets to put more houses on any available land. Large gardens or open amenity space are fair game because they come under the umbrella term of "brownfield development".

Under City of York Council planning policy, respect for conservation areas and local design statements are only given lip-service and are largely disregarded in the rush to build more houses. Planning officers do not appear to consider, or apply, policies correctly. Councillors may also feel pressured or politically obliged to put housing targets before local policy or residents' wishes. Objections by parish councils or local residents are given little weight or completely disregarded, and there is no right to appeal if a planning application is accepted, unlike when a plan is rejected, which only increases the pressure for acceptance.

Mr Crowther questioned the motives of the people protesting about the development on the south of York and suggested they were NIMBYs (Letters, May 7). I note he did so from a safe distance and not his own back yard.

NIMBYism is not to be denigrated but should be welcomed as a means of showing we care about our communities and local issues when so much apathy exists.

David Smith,

Church Street,

Copmanthorpe, York.

Updated: 10:27 Thursday, May 12, 2005