THE operators of a new city-centre car park in York are being investigated over claims planning rules may have been breached.

The pay-and-display car park in Walmgate, on the site of the former Infinity motorcycle showroom, was opened last week by a private firm.

City of York Council said no planning agreement is in place for the land to be used in this way and it is now looking into the issue.

Car Parking Management Ltd said it had taken a "temporary lease" from the land's owners and a planning application is to be sent to the council soon. The firm said there was local support for the car park.

The authority approved plans in 2011 for a 102-bedroom hotel and Sojourn Hotels has now said work on this development will begin towards the end of the year.

Jonathan Carr, the council's head of development management, said officials will visit Walmgate. He said: “We have opened an investigation into this apparent breach as no permission has been granted for the temporary use of the site as a car park."

A spokesman for Car Parking Management Ltd said the land had been vacant for some time, saying: “Since opening, local residents and businesses have expressed their support for the car park.

“The land was considered unsightly, with overgrown weeds, building debris and broken bottles. By opening a temporary car park, we have made an investment in the local area, clearing the site and laying a new surface.

“The new car park will also help to alleviate the current parking problems in the local area, which will in turn support restaurants and shops in the vicinity.”

The firm said its planning application is not connected to the hotel scheme, but the site’s owners were “committed to the development of the hotel”.

The three-storey Hotel Indigo, which could create 40 jobs, was initially expected to open in 2012, although Sojourn said last year that delays had been caused by the plans having to be altered to include an electricity substation.