SIR — I find it incredible that the debate regarding Tesco s development of London Road, St Albans, is even on the table. Can someone please explain to me why the district council is spending any time debating whether this proposal has any merit whatsoeve

SIR - I find it incredible that the debate regarding Tesco's development of London Road, St Albans, is even on the table. Can someone please explain to me why the district council is spending any time debating whether this proposal has any merit whatsoever? With the immense pressure to develop Green-Belt sites around the county, surely the only sane use for this land is housing? A supermarket of any brand on this site will rip the heart out of the city centre, while housing would introduce more people within walking distance of the city-centre shops and enhance the locality and sense of community around London Road.

When there is such comprehensive public objection to the idea of a supermarket on that site surely our council and planning representatives who are employed by us to represent our views, should stand up to what is in effect only one company. I guess the question is: are the interests of one large company of greater importance than the integrity of what is, at the moment, a great historic city.

S. HAWKINS,

Bell View, St Albans.