I WRITE in response to the planning application for the development of a football pitch complex with changing facilities and a 60-place car park at Acaster Malbis which has been recently submitted to City of York Council.

Bishopthorpe Parish Council has submitted the application on behalf of three Bishopthorpe-based football teams.

I understand York planners are recommending approval on the basis that it "meets a clear need for sports provision in rural communities south of York".

The proposed re-development of York College on Sim Balk Lane includes the provision of additional football pitches and all-weather pitches in the immediate vicinity of Bishopthorpe on land owned by City of York Council. Although these pitches will not be available for some time the council must seriously consider this option.

If the Acaster application were to be approved the short-term gain would ultimately have a long-term and significant adverse effect on the village and its community.

City of York Council must stop the rush to impose a football pitch complex on this tranquil village. The complex is neither wanted nor needed by most of its inhabitants. It would be urban creep at its worst.

This is not a case of "not in my backyard", it is a case of the right development in the wrong place.

Approval of the proposed Acaster Malbis development would be unjustified and unreasonable.

David B Smith,

Mill Lane,

Acaster Malbis, York.

Updated: 09:34 Wednesday, March 09, 2005