Hull and Beverley are miles apart – not just as the crow files, but in attitudes, people and most certainly when it comes to shopping.

Having spent time in both (living, breathing and shopping), they each offer something very distinctive, going beyond the typical “market town v. bustling city” descriptions that are traditionally lumped upon them.

The question is, will the proposed £120m development in the shadow of Beverley Minster narrow that gap? The plans include shops, a cinema and even a hotel in the 16-acre former Clariant and Museum of Army Transport site.

The argument is that Beverley is in much need of a retail and leisure boost. Not unsurprisingly, Hull City Council and Princes Quay (who have enough of their own problems) are amongst many who have spoken out against the plans. They object to the scale of the initiative, suggesting that it will have an impact on current, and future, retail and business developments in the City.

A planning inspector has toured Hull’s retail centres to try and judge its impact (where do you even start to assess that?). The official tour took in Kingswood Retail Park, Clough Road, St Stephen’s & The Prospect Centre, King Edward Street and Jameson Street, Whitefriargate, Princes Quay, Humber Quays, Kingston Retail Park and St Andrew’s Quay. Quite a lot to go at really.

So, do you think it will affect the delicate Beverley/Hull balance? I’m tempted to ask whether other cities react this way when a neighboring town wants to expand or improve their infrastructure. If Hull was more confident in their own retail and business developments, would they be as worried?