YORK council is looking for someone who can help shepherd ambitious development plans for 72-hectares of old railway land in the city centre into reality.

The city council is looking for an independent chairman for the York Central Partners Steering Group, and is inviting applications from people who want to be involved in the plans for thousands of new homes, public squares, and office space.

The chairman will lead meetings of the steering group, but will also be there to give independent advice and to help overcome disagreements between the different organisations involved.

The council expects the job will take up two to three days a month and last for three years; and wants someone who knows the economy, geography and politics of York; understands public sector organisations; has experience of planning and development on major sites; and has a track record of giving advice to chief executives, councillors and trustees. They also need to have no conflicts of interest with companies involved in the York Central site - including Network Rail, the National Railway Museum, and the council; and have no active political affiliations.

The application deadline is March 2, and details are available from www.york.gov.uk/independentchairYorkCentral.