The independent public inquiry into proposals for the so-called Coppergate Two development will get underway in January and last for three weeks City of York Council announced today.

The council, whose planning committee backed the Land Securities application for a mixed retail, residential, office and leisure scheme last November, is hosting the inquiry and it will get underway at 10am in the Guildhall, York on Tuesday, January 15, 2002.

Following the planning committee's decision, the application was routinely referred to then Secretary of State for the Environment John Prescott who decided the matter should be determined by an independent inspector.

The inquiry has been provisionally listed to last until Friday, February 1 and the council will publish the official notice to that effect today.

The Coppergate Two site includes land on both sides of the River Foss at Piccadilly and Castle Car Park.

The inquiry will also look at an appeal by the York Tomorrow group whose alternative application to turn the Castle Car Park into a park was turned down at the same meeting last year. The Government has also just announced that the associated Conservation Area Consent application to demolish various unlisted buildings - including Ryedale House - to enable the mixed use development to take place, will also be considered at the inquiry.

As the planning authority, City of York Council is having to spend £110,000 to meet the costs of the inquiry. The council's principal development control officer, Susan Heywood, said, "This is an important inquiry and we want everyone who feels they need to get involved to do so. Over the next few weeks we will be working hard to ensure people know what is going on and how they can get involved."

Anyone wishing to make their views in writing should send them to the Planning Inspectorate, M Dean, Room 3/17, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN (telephone 0117 372 8546). Anyone wishing to make representations to the inquiry in person must attend the inquiry on the first day to declare this intention. More information on this and sending a proxy is available by telephoning Hilary Shepherd on 01904 551647 or by faxing her on 01904 551378.

Core documents are now available for viewing in the reception area of the council's offices at 9 St Leonard's Place, York between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

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