IT IS hardly surprising that proposals have been submitted to turn the present council offices into a hotel (The Press, June 15).

It was either that or student accommodation; nothing else would stand a chance of success. There is a glut of empty office space and the council’s own planning policies, particularly its affordable housing demands, make any conversion to what is needed most – new dwellings – a non-starter.

This is yet another example of the disastrous consequences of the council’s failed policies. A building which could have provided some fantastic city-centre apartments will instead be given over to yet another hotel, despite the danger of the city being swamped with tourist bed-spaces.

The applicants are not hoteliers but are hoping a third party can be found to take it on, yet there is no certainty the demand for more hotel space exists. Had it been for residential use the need and demand is assured; but the regulatory burden makes that impossible.

One more example of a lost opportunity to increase housing stock thanks to council policies.

Matthew Laverack, Architect of this parish, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.