YOU reported our council had accepted a £100,000 payment to lift planning restrictions on the former gas works site in Heworth Green in order to allow housing to be built ('Homes bid sparks toxic fears', October 2). I have some questions.

If the planning restrictions could be lifted anyway, why was a payment from the developer necessary? It looks like a bribe and no explanation was given in the article.

How is the developer to ensure the toxins in the ground as a result of years of industrial use are not going to affect the people who may buy houses on the site? Is the site investigation document available for public scrutiny?

P Cunniff,

Front Street,

Acomb, York.