CHRIS Hanson is right and wrong on Coppergate (Letters, April 14). Of course the site needs developing creatively - it needs something fantastic on it.

A good looking, eye-popping building with zest and imagination at its core is needed to build on York's 'historical importance'.

If this is what Land Securities are about to deliver, great - let them do it. But that is not what they are going to do.

There will be no great contemporary building such as the Birmingham Selfridges for York because Land Securities have no intention of giving us one.

They develop shopping malls not for their aesthetic appeal, but for profit, otherwise they wouldn't bother.

They recently objected to a planning application in Piccadilly for this very reason.

If York is to remain the magnificent city which Chris Hanson likes so much it is for the reasons above that Land Securities plans for Coppergate must be resisted tooth and nail.

Paul Furness,

Lower Darnborough Street,

Clementhorpe, York.

...THE Evening Press referred to a possible way forward for the extension of the Coppergate Centre (April 8).

City of York Council agrees that new solutions must be discussed and advanced in consultation with the local community - including residents, commercial and conservation interests - to achieve high quality proposals.

The council is setting up a reference group comprised of local interest and heritage groups, which will consider a range of appropriate uses, including retail, residential, civic and open space.

A new planning brief will then be prepared which will be used to inform and assess any development proposals that come forward.

Proposals should be capable of delivery in terms of their financial viability, ongoing use and maintenance. Whatever is agreed, design quality is the key.

A retail study is being carried out, which will review the need for more shopping space in the city and where this would best be located.

This will set the scene for a new planning brief for the area which will be released for city-wide consultation later this year. For more information contact me on (01904) 551470.

Derek Gauld,

Principal development officer,

City of York Council,

St Leonard's Place, York.

Updated: 10:17 Monday, April 19, 2004