SIX extra pitches at a York travellers' site have been created and occupied - months before a new site management office is completed.

The construction of the office and associated community facility in Osbaldwick - intended to complement the controversial expansion of the site by City of York Council - has been dogged by problems.

The Press reported in May that the foundations had allegedly been attacked with pick axes, amid strong opposition to the offices from some residents.

In July, council officers said they were working hard to explain the benefits of the complex after facing more 'challenges' by residents.

Kate Grandfield, supported housing manager, said the council had also 'stated the fact that it was a certainty that it will be developed, as soon as practical in line with the planning conditions.'

Now Tom Brittain, head of housing services, has revealed that the authority expects the new community facility will be provided 'within the next few months.'

He said: “We are approaching the end of the scheme at Osbaldwick. The planning permission decision was approved, subject to the provision of a site office prior to occupation or as soon as practicable thereafter. The new pitches are complete and are now allocated." A council spokeswoman confirmed the pitches had been occupied.

Osbaldwick councillor Mark Warters said he understood it had proved impossible to continue with construction of the offices because of repeated damage to the building, and claimed this was just another example of poor management of the site.

He believed it was 'outrageous' that the council had allowed the pitches to be occupied before the office had been completed.

Minutes of a planning committee meeting last October show that approval for the expansion was conditional on the 'provision of an updated site management plan, incorporating facilities for a site office, prior to occupation of the extension or as soon as practicable thereafter.'

Green councillor Andy D'Agorne sought to remove the words 'as soon as possible thereafter', but his amendment was defeated.

York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said yesterday that the provision of the site office was a requirement for the council if it was to receive funding for the project and he urged it to get on with the task without any further delay.

"At the very least, I expected the authority to ensure the site office was in place before any of the additional pitches were occupied and it is extremely disappointing to see that the council are hiding behind the caveat ‘as soon as practicable thereafter,' he added.