Tony Bingham, the independent inspector appointed to examine the Coppergate II planning application, adjourned the hearing on Friday, February 8, after four weeks and an unexpected over-run in the timetable.

The inquiry was originally scheduled for three weeks but with the timetable over-running following intensive cross-examination it was adjourned and, following intensive preparations and negotiations by council staff, will resume next week.

The following timetable - with no Monday hearings and with a break for the whole of June - has been arranged for the reconvened sessions: From Tuesday, May 14 to Friday, May 17 at the Guildhall, York From Tuesday, May 21 to Friday, May 24 at the Moat House Hotel, North Street, York From Tuesday, May 28 to Friday, May 31 at the Guildhall, York. From Tuesday, July 2 to either Friday, July 12 or Friday July 19 at the Guildhall, York Each day's business will begin at 10am and finish around 4pm at the discretion of the inspector.

As the planning authority responsible for the application the council is having to host the inquiry. However, due to the limited availability of ancillary rooms, key civic ceremonies in the Guildhall and trying to match people's diaries, the resumed inquiry is having to be held at two different venues.

Susan Heywood, the council's principal development control officer, said, "I don't think anyone could have anticipated the timetable going beyond four weeks originally but this is a controversial issue for many and Mr Bingham was understandably keen to ensure that he did things thoroughly and allow everyone to have their say.

"We have all worked to ensure the inquiry can be resumed as soon as practically possible."

Mr Bingham was 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 is also looking 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 associated Conservation Area Consent application to demolish various unlisted buildings - including Ryedale House - to enable the mixed use development to take place, is also being considered at the inquiry.

As the planning authority the council is having to foot the bill for the inquiry which was originally expected to cost around £110,000.

Ms Heywood said, "Obviously that cost will now rise due to the cost of providing a venue and associated facilities such as amplification systems and to the cost of maintaining legal representation. However, a significant part of the costs were spent on preparation of evidence for the inquiry which, of course, is a non-recurring cost."

END