I WISH to respond to the article about the proposed development on the River Foss at the Dixon's Yard site (Floating homes to dock in city, July 29).

As someone who is involved with the development of the waterways in and around York, I fully agree with Les Turner and Roy Pitchford, both residents of Rowntree Wharf, who are unhappy with the proposed house boat development by the Helmsley Group.

I have no trouble with houseboats as such, being familiar with the long standing house boat developments on the River Thames at Eel Pie Island and Hampton Court, but I question the siting of the proposed project.

Both the sites that I am familiar with are on the edge of urban developments and in semi-countryside with a wide riverscape and open parkland nearby.

Developing a landlocked site, such as the one being proposed, is a mistake.

I suggest that a more suitable site for such a project would be on the River Ouse about three miles either side of the city centre?

Anthony Martin,

Clarence Street,

York.

Updated: 09:44 Tuesday, August 02, 2005