IT was heartening to read of the generally favourable response of York residents to the Hungate development (January 9).

More than a month ago you published a letter from Alison Sinclair headlined "Stop York's skyscrapers" which referred to "seven-storey blocks of flats" on the Hungate site.

As a local resident I was concerned, but it was only when I visited the Hungate planning exhibition at Garden Place I discovered for myself that there is nothing remotely resembling a "skyscraper" in any part of the proposed development.

It covers a large area long overdue for regeneration and consists of a wide variety of building styles and heights, which all work together to produce what appears to be an interesting mix of commercial and residential areas.

While there is a seven-storey element within the development, this sits comfortably within the context of the whole scheme.

This is in stark contrast to the proposed development of the NCP site on Skeldergate which is entirely out of scale with its surroundings.

We must all take care to protect our heritage but, until such developments as Hungate are allowed to proceed, we will not achieve the full potential of this vibrant city.

Linda Bailey,

Peckitt Street, York.

Updated: 11:06 Wednesday, January 22, 2003