COUNCIL chiefs have abandoned plans to build a bricks-and-mortar community office at a York travellers site in favour of installing a portable building.

The move comes after attempts to construct the facility at Osbaldwick faced opposition from some residents last year, including an alleged pick axe attack on the foundations in May.

In July, City of York 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'.

The site management office and associated community facility are intended to complement the controversial expansion of the site from 12 to 18 pitches.

Planners approved the expansion on condition that a site office was created, 'prior to occupation of the extension or as soon as practicable thereafter'. The pitches were occupied by last September.

Osbaldwick councillor Mark Warters said he had discovered that in December, the authority approved revised details for a portable building, deeming it acceptable as a replacement for the traditional-build site office which had previously been approved.

He claimed the decision to abandon efforts to construct a bricks-and-mortar building was 'another example of the council losing control of the site'.

He asked: "How much money was spent on the abortive attempt to build the office, and how much will it cost to install a portable building?"

He also claimed that the last portable building on the site had been stolen several years ago by being taken away on the back of a lorry, and he feared the same would happen with the new office.

Asked to comment on such claims and explain why the council had switched to a portable building, Tom Brittain, head of housing services, said: "As part of our management plan and planning conditions, we are committed to providing a permanent on-site community facility with an office for staff, facilities for meetings, training and visits from health, education and other professionals.

"The most effective way of delivering this is to use a permanent, pre-fabricated structure in line with the agreed cost and size of the facility which will help us better manage the site and support the community."

Christine Shepherd, York Travellers Trust spokeswoman, was unavailable for comment.