CITY leaders are calling for action on what they call the "missing piece of the jigsaw" in the redevelopment of York's major brownfield sites.

Council leader James Alexander has spoken of his frustration that a deal has still not been reached on the Nestle South site, after years of waiting for progress on the former chocolate factory site.

Earlier this week a major deal was announced on the 35-hectare York Central site, and Cllr Alexander has now called for attentions to turn to the redundant Rowntree factory site on Haxby Road.

Outline planning permission was granted in 2011 for 166 houses, 46 flats and 28 student flats, as well as office and retail space, but a deal has still not been found to bring the plans to fruition.

Cllr Alexander said: "The announcement from the council and Network Rail on the York Central site is significant in bringing forward jobs and homes for York residents.

"British Sugar is also on track for development but the missing piece of the jigsaw is the Nestle South site. This is one of the last remaining significant non-retail brownfield sites in York and I would like to see a renewed focus to see this site come forward for development. I am aware of investor interest and Nestle were close to a deal this time last year."

After a deal was reportedly close to completion last year, Cllr Alexander said it was frustrating that final deals had still not been made.

He added: "Since Labour was elected to lead the council, we have had a focus on jobs and homes. This has helped bring about investment and the development of brownfield sites. From The White Swan in Piccadilly and the Bonding Warehouse to larger sites like Terry's we have seen brownfield sites come forward for homes and jobs."

As The Press reported last month, the scheme looked to be moving forward earlier this year when a developer stepped forward three years after initial planning permission was granted.

A spokesman for Nestlé has repeated its comments, which were made at the time, that the company was considering its options for the site, and would continue to talk to City of York Council on future plans.