City of York Council is reminding anyone wishing to take part in the forthcoming Coppergate II inquiry that they must register to speak on Tuesday (January 15) - the opening day of the inquiry.

The inquiry opens at 10am in the Guildhall, York, next Tuesday with much of the early proceedings expected to be taken up with people registering to speak. The inquiry is scheduled to last for three weeks.

Susan Heywood, the council's principal development control officer, said, "This is an important inquiry and we want everyone who feels they need to get involved to do so.

"To assist the smooth running of the inquiry people wishing to speak at any stage during the daily hearings must register on Tuesday."

Independent inspector Tony Bingham has been appointed by the Government to lead the inquiry into the proposals which were backed by the council's planning committee in November 2000.

The application, from Land Securities, is for a mixed retail, residential, office and leisure scheme on land encompassing the Castle Car Park and parts of Piccadilly. The inquiry will also look at an appeal by the York Tomorrow group whose alternative application to turn the Castle Car Park into a public park was turned down at the same meeting in 2000.

The Government has also 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.

The independent programme officer for the inquiry is Jim Riddle. Mr Riddle is responsible for timetabling and other administrative matters and he can be contacted on 0191 565 3695 or 07740 493307. His e-mail address is jimrid@tinyworld.co.uk.

Anyone wanting more information about registering to speak or about sending a proxy should contact Mr Riddle. 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).

Core documents are 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 until Friday (January 11). From Monday (January 14) these documents will be available for inspection at the Guildhall.

The council is providing a limited amount of car parking for disabled people during the inquiry. Three car parking spaces for disabled people are being provided in the Guildhall courtyard for the duration of the inquiry on a first-come basis.

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