I READ with interest and growing disbelief of Robert Pulleyn's planning application to build a three-storey block of 23 flats with 25 parking spaces on his garage site in Clifton (January 6).

Apparently, his original application in 2003 for 24 flats on the site was turned down by the council on the grounds that the height of the redevelopment would be "large and monolithic" and would overlook the windows of neighbouring properties.

I do not wish to comment on Mr Pulleyn's application, but surely "large and monolithic and overlooking windows of neighbouring properties" would be highly appropriate grounds for objection regarding the proposal for the Barbican site?

Let's not forget that this proposal includes an hotel, and a five-storey block of over 230 flats with a roof terrace and 80 parking spaces - all just metres away from two-storey Victorian terraces and York's beautiful historic Bar Walls.

If the council can turn down Mr Pulleyn's application on these grounds, how can it, in good conscience, approve the Barbican proposal? Unless, of course, it operates a policy of blatant double standards.

Maria Dodd,

Barbican Road, York.

Updated: 11:33 Wednesday, January 26, 2005