MR Purves once again refers to a small campaigning group opposing the proposed development of Campus 3 (Letter, July 13) on green belt land. I think that most residents in Heslington and Badger Hill, as well as a number from other areas in York, oppose this plan.

The site for the proposed development has not been radically altered in recent years, as he claims. Comparison of the field systems with an Evening Press aerial photograph taken in the early 1960s shows no changes.

This fact has also been confirmed by two generations who have farmed this land. No hedges have been removed for well over 40 years.

If in fact if the new proposed science park - or more appropriately, business park - were to be sited at Terry's, there would be little or no cross-town traffic.

A study of the companies on the present science park shows that perhaps some 70 per cent have no or only tenuous links with the university.

There are many examples throughout the country where such science parks have been located well away from academic buildings.

It is essential that this planning application is sent to a public inquiry because it is being submitted before the Local Plan and green belt inquiries have been completed.

Tony Tolhurst,

Hall Park,

Heslington, York.

Updated: 11:23 Thursday, July 22, 2004